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WATER ENERGY LIFE <br /> RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES <br /> Board Memorandum <br /> PUBLIC UTILITIES <br /> BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: October 19, 2012 <br /> ITEM NO: 10 <br /> SUBJECT: RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES' EDUCATION PROGRAM UPDATE <br /> ISSUE: <br /> That the Board of Public Utilities receive an update on Riverside Public Utilities' {RPU} Education Program. <br /> RECOMMENDATION: <br /> That the Board of Public Utilities receive this update. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> RPU's energy and water education programs have been taught by staff to 4t'and 5�'grade students for more <br /> than 20 years. Now more than ever, local schools have very limited resources. With RPU's Education <br /> Programs for Schools, which comply with state standards and are valued highly by both public and private <br /> schools in Riverside, RPU is able to provide hands-on learning experiences at no charge to the school <br /> districts. The education programs include instruction on energy generation,circuitry,safety and magnetism, <br /> and the water cycle: water from source to tap, filtration, and how aquifers work. <br /> Recently,when a new school program coordinator was hired, RPU had the opportunity to reexamine how to <br /> more effectively reach the school age audience and increase exposure of the program. New objectives <br /> include streamlining the current presentation to 90 minutes and leaving behind an instructional materials kit <br /> for teachers to utilize with their students at their own pace. These materials kits will also be available to"loan <br /> out"for classroom use without a demonstration from RPU staff and will be equipped with a curriculum guide <br /> for the teacher. In addition, the program will be centered around web-based resources from <br /> www.GreenRiverside.com and available to teachers, parents and students. <br /> RPU is also looking to expand services to the S"' grade audience, as well as the community as a whole, <br /> focusing on renewable resources and utilizing instructional materials kits,which provide informal programs for <br /> children and families in partnership with existing libraries, museums, and parks programs. <br /> FISCAL IMPACT: <br /> There is no fiscal impact associated with this update. <br /> Prepared by: Michael J. Bacich, Public Utilities Assistant General Manager/Customer Relations <br /> Approved by: David H. Wright, Public Utilities General Manager <br /> Approved by: Belinda J. Graham, Assistant City Manager <br /> Approved as to form: Gregory P, Priamos, City Attorney <br />