South Coast AQMD’s air quality education programs have begun accepting registrations for the 2023-24 school year. The Clean Air Program for Elementary Students (CAPES) is designed for K-6th grade and Why Healthy Air Matters Program (WHAM) is for middle and high school students. These education programs aim to increase awareness of air quality issues and empower youth to make environmentally-conscious decisions during a time when they are developing and forming their own habits. 

CAPES offers exciting videos with students’ favorite TV stars and an air quality curriculum which aligns with Next Generation Science Standards  (NGSS). WHAM features virtual guest speakers, educational videos and an NGSS-aligned air quality curriculum with hands-on experiments. 

Both programs host fun and engaging virtual and in-person events throughout the year where students can hear from South Coast AQMD experts on ways they can be clean air heroes and about careers they can pursue within the environmental field. Youth organizations, groups and clubs are also eligible to participate. CAPES and WHAM have been received positively by students and teachers alike with over 58,000 students participating since 2019. 

"I love the program! I want to implement WHAM with all my students every year. I think it’s highly relevant to the students and provides instruction in an explorative and interesting manner." --Emily Debaca, teacher at Rodia High School

"Thank you for the interactive presentation. My students were very excited to have more awareness on air quality and how they can make a difference." --Pauline Martinez, teacher at Windrows Elementary School

For more information and to register your class for the upcoming 2023-24 school year for CAPES or WHAM, contact Iliana Garcia or call (909) 396-2420.