

Students Learn About Financial Literacy and Energy Efficiency Through SoCalGas' Junior Achievement Storefront that Showcases Clean Energy's Future
The storefront is modeled after SoCalGas' [H2] Innovation Experience and equips the next generation of leaders with knowledge of clean energy
Mar 13, 2024
LOS ANGELES -- Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) today unveiled its newly revamped storefront at Junior Achievement of SoCal's (JASoCal) JA Finance Park, an interactive educational space of business storefronts that provides students with lessons on financial literacy. Located just outside Griffith Park, JA Finance Park hosts more than 15,000 visitors including students and volunteers each year. Drawing inspiration from SoCalGas' [H2] Innovation Experience ([H2]IE) in Downey, Calif., SoCalGas' storefront provides practical experiences in personal finance, sustainability and career exploration in STEM fields. The utility has collaborated with the organization for over 23 years and has contributed more than $300,000 to help foster leadership skills in the next generation.
"This educational space is more than just an exhibit; it's a foundation for empowering young minds with practical life skills and a deeper understanding of energy efficiency," said Paul Goldstein, Vice President of Gas Transmission and Storage at SoCalGas and JASoCal Board Member. "SoCalGas employee volunteers help bring real-world financial and energy-efficient scenarios to life for students through a hands-on approach, nurturing future leaders by equipping them with vital skills. We're committed to inspiring a new generation to lead in sustainable energy through education and practical experiences."
The storefront features mock scenarios that enhance students' abilities to budget, manage expenses and make informed financial decisions. The space also emphasizes the importance of energy use in financial planning, teaching students about the benefits of energy-efficient practices and SoCalGas' customer assistance programs. By understanding how energy efficiency leads to savings, they gain practical insights into maintaining affordable living costs. Additional resources focus on advancements in energy technology with displays, like smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances, designed to inspire interest in STEM careers.
"We're honored to continue our partnership with SoCalGas and thrilled to unveil their updated storefront at JA Finance Park," said Dr. Les McCabe, President & CEO of JASoCal. "The storefronts are crucial to the immersive experience for students who are learning essential financial skills, like bill paying, but just as importantly, having a modern storefront that addresses the future of renewable energy and reflects energy-saving innovations in a home, will empower thousands of students each year to make responsible financial and environmental choices."
The storefront was remodeled to mirror the design of SoCalGas' [H2]IE, a clean hydrogen microgrid demonstration project that draws power from solar panels during the day and converts excess renewable energy into clean hydrogen to power the home at night. The [H2]IE could power up to 100 homes and highlights how microgrid technology can produce power locally and help create more sustainable communities. The project has been named a World-Changing Idea by Fast Company and was also awarded the U.S. Green Building Council of L.A.'s Sustainable Innovation Award.
As part of SoCalGas' ASPIRE 2045 sustainability goals, the utility aims to invest $50 million across five years to help drive positive change in diverse and underserved communities. By providing resources for higher education and career development, SoCalGas aspires to empower the communities it serves and help prepare young leaders for success. In line with these efforts, SoCalGas has awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships to students through its scholarship programs since 2001.
To learn more about SoCalGas' Scholarship Programs, click here. For more on JA Finance Park, visit Junior Achievement of SoCal's website.
About SoCalGas
SoCalGas is the largest gas distribution utility in the United States, serving more than 21 million consumers across approximately 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California. Our mission is: Safe, Reliable, and Affordable energy delivery today. Ready for tomorrow. SoCalGas is a recognized leader in the energy industry and has been named Corporate Member of the Year by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce for its volunteer leadership in the communities it serves. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), a leading North American energy infrastructure company. For more information, visit SoCalGas.com/newsroom or connect with SoCalGas on social media @SoCalGas.
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These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the reports that the company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These reports are available through the EDGAR system free-of-charge on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov, and on Sempra’s website, www.sempra.com. Investors should not rely unduly on any forward-looking statements.
Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (Oncor) and Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (IEnova) are not the same companies as the California utilities, San Diego Gas & Electric Company or Southern California Gas Company, and Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and IEnova are not regulated by the CPUC.