-Editorial
During its regular meeting on January 14, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution authorizing the submittal of an application to the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Geothermal Grant and Loan Program. The board also approved a letter of support for the LEGACY (Lithium, Education, and Geothermal for Advancing Careers in our Youth) Education Initiative, which aims to prepare local students for careers in renewable energy.
The CEC’s Geothermal Grant and Loan Program provides funding for projects that advance geothermal energy development and mitigate socioeconomic impacts. Imperial County’s application focuses on Category H, which supports research and mitigation of social and economic challenges. If awarded, the grant will fund the development of the LEGACY Initiative, designed to educate 7th–12th grade students on geothermal and lithium industries, renewable energy fundamentals, and workforce opportunities within the growing Lithium Valley initiative.
The LEGACY Initiative will focus on four key components to engage students and the community. First, a bilingual animated video series will consist of six episodes explaining geothermal energy production, lithium extraction, and career pathways. Second, a guest speaker series will bring industry professionals into classrooms to share insights about their roles and experiences. Third, career and college workshops will be offered in collaboration with local colleges, highlighting STEM opportunities and educational pathways. Finally, a virtual reality series will provide immersive experiences, allowing students to explore geothermal wells and energy operations.
In addition to these pillars, the LEGACY Initiative will prioritize communitywide access through an online portal, ensuring that all residents can learn about geothermal energy and lithium industries. The program also emphasizes collaboration with local education and industry partners to keep materials up to date with evolving technologies and career opportunities. By addressing regional workforce demands and unemployment, the initiative seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in renewable energy.
The Board of Supervisors expressed strong support for the LEGACY Initiative. The board emphasized the program’s potential to deliver significant benefits to Imperial County, including workforce development and economic growth, while positioning the region as a leader in renewable energy innovation within the growing Lithium Valley initiative.
“We anticipate collaborating closely with Imperial Valley College, San Diego State University, and our union partners to ensure students are aware of the many pathways and opportunities available in the renewable energy industry,” said Bari Bean, Deputy CEO of Imperial County. “One of the most innovative areas we’re exploring is a virtual reality series. Imagine putting on a headset and virtually going down a geothermal well to see what it looks like at the Earth’s core. This technology can excite students and provide virtual field trips into the geothermal and lithium spaces—something not always feasible for safety reasons.
These experiences will also be accessible beyond the classroom, with educational resources available on the county website for the broader community, including homeschoolers and private education programs. We’re focused on both the immediate impact of immersing students in renewable energy concepts and the long-term benefits of preparing them with the skills needed for future workplaces. This is a sustainable program that will continue to evolve and thrive year after year.”
