Community Outreach and Engagement

I-REN’s goals are achieved through meaningful outreach and engagement opportunities with diverse stakeholders. We actively collaborate with partners such as EcoHero and the Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP) to deliver high-quality hands-on activities that inspire students and educators alike. 

Beyond schools, our engagement extends to the broader community and workforce, fostering partnerships across education, government, and industry to build awareness, strengthen connections, and support pathways for a more sustainable, energy-driven future.

Schools and Education

EcoHero

• I-REN partners with EcoHero to deliver interactive energy efficiency education to K-6 students in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. EcoHero helps students understand how everyday choices can create positive change and nurture their curiosity.
• These programs build early awareness of sustainability and energy careers, inspire environmental stewardship, and lay the groundwork for a future generation of energy-smart leaders. 

Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP)

• I-REN proudly sponsors the Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP), which provides high-impact STEM programs such as Summer Learning Labs, STEM Academies, and STEPcon—conference events for students, educators, and counselors, reaching nearly 10,000 students and 300 educators annually.
• These activities give students opportunities to explore engaging, hands-on learning environments that nurture their curiosity and expose them to diverse educational pathways and supplemental instruction. STEP offers seven programs, week-long career-focused STEM Summer Learning Labs, and hands-on learning academies. If you work with students who might be interested, we encourage you to visit the program websites to learning more about the Summer Learning Labs & Academies and other upcoming opportunities.
• Each year, the annual Student STEP Conference hosts about 1,500 students in person, with month-long virtual exhibits expanding access to nearly 10,000 students overall, all at no cost to attendees and exhibitors. Whether these activities spark a new hobby, build foundational STEM skills, or provide insight into real-world applications and future careers, Student STEPcon inspires students to dive deeper into STEM topics and imagine what’s possible for their futures.
• The annual Educator STEP Conference is the Inland Empire’s premier free STEM professional development conference for educators at all levels. This event helps build a strong STEM culture by inspiring local teachers with dynamic keynotes, hands-on workshops, practical resources, and engaging activities they can take straight back to their classroom.

Community and Workforce

Annual Supplier Diversity Event

• I-REN co-hosts the annual Supplier Diversity Event with 30+ partners, drawing over 180 participants from the energy, construction, logistics, and public sectors to promote the California Public Utilities Commission Supplier Diversity Program. 

IEDRC Energy & Infrastructure Sector Showcase

• I-REN partners with the Inland Empire Desert Regional Consortium (IEDRC) to host the annual Energy & Infrastructure Sector Showcase, bringing together 130+ leaders from education, government, workforce, and industry to explore trends and foster collaboration in the regional energy sector.