Electric Vehicle Community Outreach Program
WCVI invites you to learn about Electric Vehicles. WCVI's Electric Vehicle Community Outreach Program is aimed at informing Latinos and minority communities about the benefits of Electric Vehicles (also known as EVs) and to promote LADWP’s programs and rebates!
WCVI recognizes the systematic barriers communities of color face when it comes to access to EVs and charging stations. We aim to bridge that gap by engaging Los Angeles residents through Ride and Drive events, social media outreach and on the ground activities.
Over summer 2022, a new rule was approved by the California Air Resources Board which will require all new cars sold in the state to be free of greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide by the year 2035! With California’s requirement that all new cars sold be free of gas emissions by 2035 coupled with the fact that Latinos widely support efforts to mitigate climate change, WCVI feels this time is right to inform our community about the benefits of Electric Vehicles.
FACTS
In California, 44% of Latinos live with poor air quality, compared to 25% of non-Latinos;
Black and Hispanic people experience a "pollution burden" of 56% and 63% more exposure than they cause, respectively.
Latinos identified cost and access to a charging station as barriers to driving an EV; and
43% of Latinos say they would "definitely" or "seriously consider" purchasing or leasing an EV as their next vehicle.
EVENTS
William C. Velásquez Institute invites you and your family to a free fun event, on Saturday, September 30th to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and National Drive Electric Week! Ponte las Pilas, Ride and Drive Electric Vehicle event will be at Cudahy park located at 5240 Santa Ana Street from 10am to 2pm. Sponsors include: Southern California Edison, City of Cudahy and Nissan. National Drive Electric Week is presented by Plug In America, The Electric Vehicle Association, The Sierra Club, EVHybridNoire, and Drive Electric USA"
We have a great day planned with Music, Activities for Kids, 5 ELEMENTOS Food Truck and a dessert truck and freebies courtesy of Nissan.
Electric vehicles will be available for you to ride in or test drive!
When you ride in or test drive you will get lunch at the 5 ELEMENTOS Food Truck and be entered into a giveaway that features SABOR tickets and a 55 inch Smart TV!
There is no cost to enter!
RSVP by calling or texting 323-332-6160 or sign up at Ponte Las Pilas Ride and Drive Event at Cudahy Park! SEE YOU THERE!
Eco Intern Program 2023
WCVI's Eco Interns program provides an educational and mentorship program that inspires, empowers, and educates underrepresented minorities to pursue a career in the environment.
For the 2023 Session, WCVI invites Los Angeles high school juniors and seniors with an interest in the environment to apply here.
Eco Interns will provide minority high school students the opportunity to learn about environmental studies and careers with outdoor activities and technological training. The program will provide a curriculum of environmental education and stewardship to prepare participants for environmental justice advocacy. Through the program, Eco Interns will learn skills that improve job opportunities and prepare them for higher education.
Eco Interns can participate in weekend sessions on environmental justice and environmental activities. Activities include: water testing, Los Angeles River history, tree planting, kayaking, as well as State Parks and local beach tours.
