Last month, SoCalGas partnered with USC Viterbi School of Engineering to host the annual Energy of STEM Summer Camp, designed to promote better understanding and knowledge surrounding science, technology, engineering and math. This program is open to the public with an emphasis towards low- income and minority middle and high school students. Nearly 100 students had the opportunity to explore concepts surrounding aerodynamics, physics, coding, energy, electronics and more during the week-long free summer camp. This year, classes were led by SoCalGas engineers and assisted by USC Viterbi Center staff and USC undergraduate students.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain knowledge, experience and develop skills that can really help drive their future. I am extremely pleased to see our SoCalGas engineers teach and drive passion about STEM for these young students,” said Trisha Muse, director of community relations at SoCalGas. "I’m hoping that these camps will create memories that will last a lifetime and provide students with the courage to pursue their interests."

"I am so grateful for SoCalGas' sponsorship and their passion for driving knowledge and creating excitement about STEM. This summer camp is designed to provide educational experiences in a fun and age-appropriate way, which gives the campers the opportunity to work with each other on a deeper level throughout the week,” said Jennifer Kolbauer, STEM outreach program manager at USC K-12 STEM Center. “The idea is for these campers to start thinking like engineers while solving problems through various engaging hands-on STEM activities."

SoCalGas created the Energy of STEM camp nearly 15 years ago, and later established a partnership with USC to develop the course further on campus. Classes include demonstrations and lessons with hands-on projects and group work to help connect peers in a fun, engaging environment. 

In 2021, SoCalGas invested $9.6 million throughout our service territory with over $2.3 million spent in funding educational programs. This is part of our ASPIRE 2045 sustainability goals to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the communities we serve, including a commitment to invest $50 million to drive positive change in diverse and underserved communities over the next five years.