Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly becoming a part of communities across the United States, but not all communities have equal access to them. To address this issue, Electrify America, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America, has invested more than $13 million in community-based organizations to promote EV education and access in low-income and disadvantaged communities, as well as support critical workforce development programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.
Electrify America’s investments in these initiatives are making tangible progress toward driving EV adoption, particularly in underserved communities. The company has celebrated the success stories of real-world impact in three case studies from Ecology Action, the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), and Valley Clean Air Now.
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In California Central Coast communities, Electrify America funded various zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) education and awareness programs through Ecology Action, reaching over 200,000 residents. The programs focused on providing low-income and disadvantaged communities with resources and knowledge about the benefits of electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, at LACI, Electrify America funded STEM workforce development programs to train participants for jobs in the EV and charging industry. The programs resulted in 83% of participants completing the training and 73% employed or pursuing further education.
In addition, Electrify America invested in various initiatives through Valley Clean Air Now to promote EV education, awareness, and access. The organization provided STEM and workforce development programs to over 5,000 residents, training 30 participants in ZEV maintenance and repair.
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Gabriela Herrera Gugiu, corporate social responsibility senior specialist at Electrify America, said, “Electrify America’s goal is to help drive electric vehicle adoption and zero-emissions mobility. These case studies highlight the impact of education and resources to help empower communities and offer new opportunities.”
Electrify America’s investments in these three organizations concerning electric vehicle education and workforce development programs are critical to the current and future success of the EV industry. By promoting education and access to EVs, Electrify America is helping to create a more equitable and sustainable transportation system for all communities.
