The Water Replenishment District (WRD) has secured a grant of $15,000 from Marathon Petroleum Corporation’s (MPC) Los Angeles Refinery to enhance groundwater education in local communities. This funding will support engaging field trips for students to the Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning (ARC) in Pico Rivera, California. The initiative aims to provide hands-on educational experiences focused on groundwater systems and water conservation.
Schools in the operational areas of the Los Angeles Refinery, including Carson, Wilmington, San Pedro, South Gate, and West Long Beach, will benefit from this program. The ARC features an advanced water purification facility, a museum-quality learning center, and a climate-friendly demonstration garden. Through the staff-led ARC Field Trip Program, students, educators, and parents will engage in immersive learning about the region’s water resources, recycling processes, and conservation techniques.
According to Erlend Myhre, Vice President of Refining at MPC’s Los Angeles Refinery, “We’re proud to support WRD’s field trips, giving students a hands-on look at water sustainability and inspiring them to explore potential, related careers, all while connecting them to our shared communities.” This partnership not only enhances education but also promotes pathways to careers within the water industry, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and economic mobility.
The program builds on students’ existing knowledge of the water cycle, offering a deeper understanding of groundwater resources and conservation practices. By fostering awareness and skills related to water sustainability, WRD and MPC aim to empower the next generation of environmental stewards.
This initiative aligns with MPC’s Community Investment Program, which seeks to create partnerships that drive positive impacts in workforce development, sustainability, and community well-being. The collaboration underscores both organizations’ commitment to ensuring that students are well-equipped to engage with critical environmental issues.
Through this partnership, WRD and MPC are positioned to make a lasting impact on students in their service areas. By enhancing educational opportunities related to water sustainability, they are not only nurturing informed future leaders but also contributing to the resilience of local communities.
