California Energy Commission (CEC) staff recently visited eight high schools to present each with an award for their implementation of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) curriculum on campus. The schools received funding from the CEC to purchase Switch Electric Vehicle Kits and curriculum to bring awareness of the clean fuels industry to students exploring career options.

“One of the key initiatives we have at the CEC with respect to clean transportation is to introduce and establish zero-emission vehicle programs through high school automotive programs,” said Larry Rillera, staff at the CEC. “One of the visions is not just to provide technologies career pathways into these jobs in clean transportation, but to orient students to the opportunities for a sustainable future.”

Desert Mirage High School Automotive Program, Thermal, CA

During the visits, students and faculty shared how the ZEV curriculum has made an impact on their campuses.

“We have benefitted from this grant tremendously,” said Jesse Munoz, automotive teacher with North Orange County ROP at Sunny Hills High School. “Our goal is to make a workforce that is comfortable working on electric vehicles. It is something that is constantly changing, it is technology that is evolving, and if we can have students that have some basis in this, it’s going to set them up for a better footing for their futures.”

Students showed the progress they’ve made on building their Switch EVs. Some classes have already completed it, while others are still learning important concepts that can more easily be taught through this hands-on electric vehicle build.

“It’s so hard to teach the students electrical, and this way having them working on a car with wire diagrams, the kids learn so much that I just couldn’t teach them on a bench,” said Christopher Gardner, automotive instructor at Loara High School.

Many students recognize that learning these technical skills while still in high school will prepare them for a future in clean fuels after they graduate.

“This year we are learning how to build high voltage vehicles and how much voltage you need, how they work and what can make them break down,” said a student at Buena Park High School. “This will help us to be prepared in the future when it comes to working outside of high school.”

While learning the foundations of electricity is critical when it comes to working on EVs, many teachers have recognized that by working in groups on the project, students are also developing important life skills.

“Our advanced students are taking advantage and benefiting from learning to build an all-electric car,” said Spencer Mendoza, automotive instructor at Buena Park High School. “They are also learning to organize, one of the skills they will use for life.”

Rillera and Advanced Transportation and Logistics (ATL) staff visited the following schools:

• Katella High School
• Loara High School
• Buena Park High School
• Sunny Hills High School
• Desert Mirage High School
• Montclair High School
• Chaffey High School
• Baldy View ROP at Etiwanda High School

Watch the videos here.