The South Bay Cities Council of Governments and Southern California Regional Energy Network Reward Elementary Schools for Students’ Conservation Actions at Home 

 TORRANCE, CALIF., January 22, 2026 – The South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) and Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) teamed up to award 19 South Bay classrooms grants of $1,000 each ($19,000 total) for taking energy-saving actions at home. Classrooms representing Hawthorne School District and Los Angeles Unified School District earned the rewards through SoCalREN’s Kits for Kids program for third and fourth grade students. The program provides hands-on education about the benefits of energy efficiency.  

Participating classrooms receive no-cost items including LED bulbs, an efficient-flow showerhead and faucet aerators that help their families save money and improve their comfort at home. Students simultaneously participate in engaging online activities, including interactive games and an online scavenger hunt to make learning about energy-saving practices fun. 

“We are very happy to have returning and newly participating schools in the South Bay in our Kits for Kids program,” said Kathy Mariscal, associate program manager of Energy Education at the SoCalREN. “Through the program, students have not only enhanced their own understanding of energy efficiency but have also become ambassadors for energy conservation within their communities. We are continually impressed by the teachers and educators who are our collaborators in sustainability, and we are proud to partner with the SBCCOG to bring these resources to underserved South Bay schools.”   

The success of the Kits for Kids program in the South Bay region underscores the importance of engaging students in environmental stewardship from a young age. By instilling the principles of energy efficiency early on, SoCalREN and the SBCCOG aim to foster a culture of sustainability that will benefit both current and future generations. 

“The Kits for Kids has enhanced our home school connection with our students and families as they worked together to install energy-efficient items in their home,” said Miguelina Lopez, principal of Zela Davis Elementary School in Hawthorne. 

Through SoCalREN’s Kits for Kids Program, participating classrooms can earn a $1,000 incentive when at least 65% of students complete the energy-saving curriculum.  

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

 ABOUT SoCalREN 

The Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) brings together a wide variety of services with one common goal: achieving unprecedented levels of energy savings throughout Southern California. SoCalREN offers a suite of customizable, no-cost services to remove barriers to achieving energy savings. It also offers programs for residents and businesses that public agencies can leverage for the benefit of their communities. SoCalREN is here to help public agencies save energy, save money, and lead their communities on the pathway to zero net energy and overall greater sustainability. Learn more at SoCalREN.org. 

ABOUT SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS:  

The South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) is a joint powers government agency of 16 cities and the County of Los Angeles which share the goal of maximizing the quality of life and productivity of the subregion. Within this structure, cities and Los Angeles County maintain the qualities and characteristics that make them unique and independent, while also coming together collectively to address issues of common interest for a greater good of the communities through partnership, persuasion, performance, and advocacy. For more information about the SBCCOG visit http://southbaycities.org. 

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