In support of the Southern California Chinese American
Environmental Protection Association (SCCAEPA),
South Coast AQMD hosted an air quality program as
part of the organization’s Youth Environmental Summer
Camp.
This marked the
third year South
Coast AQMD
has participated
in the six-week
camp, designed for
students in grades
9-12 who are
interested in exploring environmental science and related
career paths. Hosted at South Coast AQMD headquarters in
Diamond Bar, this year’s air quality program, Air Quality
in Our Community, introduced students to the science of air
pollution, community air monitoring, and the use of low cost
air quality sensors.
Led by Dr. Xiang Li and Dr. Zihan Zhu from the
Monitoring and Analysis Division, the program combined
classroom instruction with hands-on activities that
help students better
understand the causes
and impacts of air
pollution.
Using South Coast
AQMD’s Community
in Action: A Comprehensive Guidebook on Air Quality
Sensors and low-cost sensors provided through the
agency’s AQ-SPEC program, students learned how air
pollutants are measured, deployed sensors, analyzed air
quality data, and identified potential pollution sources in
their communities. Participants also toured the South Coast
AQMD laboratory and explored strategies to help reduce
air pollution exposure and improve community health.
The program concluded with student presentations
showcasing what participants learned through their
research and data analysis. By supporting programs like
the SCCAEPA Youth Environmental Summer Camp, South
Coast AQMD continues to inspire the next generation of
environmental professionals and empower young people
with the knowledge and skills to help build healthier,
cleaner communities.