Over the last four years, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) has helped families of South Bay elementary school students in historically underserved communities save an estimated 70,000 total kilowatt hours of energy in their homes. This school year 56 additional classrooms will benefit from Southern California Regional Energy Networks’ (SoCalREN) Kits for Kids program due to increased demand–a 300% expansion.

“Teachers love the program and how the community benefits from the energy-saving items,” said Lourdes Nitahara, a third grade teacher at Zela Davis Elementary School in Hawthorne and a program participant.

Through the program, teachers implement a short lesson plan on energy, and then students take home a scavenger hunt and free items including LED light bulbs, a night-light and faucet aerators to see energy efficiency work at home.

Participating teachers can earn a $1,000 grant for their class, which has been used to buy classroom supplies, a 3D printer and other learning tools.

Historically, five classrooms in South Bay school districts have participated on an individual basis. With the program and funding expansion, SBCCOG staff was able to enroll additional classrooms covering the Hawthorne, Lennox and Inglewood school districts.

“The program expansion will reach more students, parents and teachers, building a region-wide understanding of energy efficiency,” said Eleanor Murphy, project coordinator for the SBCCOG. “This works to make future generations more eco-conscious and creates a green future for the South Bay.”

The program is offered to families throughout SouthernCalifornia. The SBCCOG supports the SoCalREN in bringing these services to the South Bay through staffing that assists with outreach and implementation efforts in schools.

“The South Bay Cities Council of Governments goes above and beyond to support Kits for Kids,” said Kathy Mariscal, associate program manager of energy education for the SoCalREN. “Their hands-on approach makes it possible for us to reach more schools and families each year in disadvantaged communities and Title I schools in the South Bay.” •

To learn more about the Kits for Kids program visit southbaycities.org/kids-corner