Development Initiatives
EVSE Technician Workforce Development Initiative
In partnership with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and Los Angeles Harbor College, EMeRGE serves as the community engagement partner for a pilot workforce program addressing the urgent demand for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) technicians.
Activities include:
- Community outreach and recruitment in Wilmington
- Promotion of EVSE training opportunities
- Participant support and engagement
- Tracking outcomes up to one year post-training
- Collecting testimonials and evaluation data
Impact:
Impact: Supports regional workforce needs, California decarbonization goals, and the San Pedro Bay Ports’ zero-emission transition.
Youth Air Quality Monitoring Project (Howard University Collaboration)
EMeRGE partners with Howard University to implement a youth-led air quality monitoring initiative. This program trains young people from frontline communities to:
- Use monitoring equipment
- Collect and analyze environmental data
- Present findings to stakeholders
This initiative builds scientific literacy, leadership, and advocacy skills while generating community-owned data to inform environmental justice efforts.
Impact:
Impact: Supports regional workforce needs, California decarbonization goals, and the San Pedro Bay Ports’ zero-emission transition.
Academic and Institutional Partnerships
EMeRGE has established strong partnerships with leading academic institutions and agencies, including:
- UCLA School of Public Health
- Recipient of recognition for supporting the Summer Scholars Internship Program
- Provides mentorship and real-world environmental justice exposure for students
- UCLA Scholars Program
- EMeRGE hosts a Toxic Tour educating students on environmental impacts in port communities
- Pitzer College & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- EMeRGE provides Toxic Tours highlighting environmental justice issues and community conditions
These partnerships strengthen research, education, and community engagement outcomes.