Inland Empire, California – The California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) awarded the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) with the 2020 Public Outreach & Education – Large Agency Award for the Agency’s newest education program, “Owlie’s Virtual Adventures.” The award was announced at CASA’s virtual Winter Conference on January 28.
CASA’s Public Outreach & Education – Large Agency Award recognizes the development and implementation of programs that impact or educate the local community on issues important to the industry. Programs eligible for the award include those used for general public awareness, select target audiences and education in schools.
The Agency launched “Owlie’s Virtual Adventures” in April 2020. The transition to a virtual platform was implemented due to the learning environment shift from in-class lessons to a digital online learning model. The free, interactive virtual program features a variety of educational resources including Wally’s Water Conservation Camp, virtual tours, a series of ‘At-Home Activities’ from our popular Water Discovery Field Trip Program, how-to videos on YouTube, and more. Each activity aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) components and is geared towards K-12 students.
“Ensuring students have access to our educational resources during this time has remained one of our top outreach priorities,” stated IEUA Board President and CASA Board Vice President Jasmin A. Hall. “We are proud to have created a program that provides a hands-on educational experience for students of all ages to continue to learn about water resources, sustainability and the environment from a virtual setting.”
The menu of programs featured within “Owlie’s Virtual Adventures” provide a unique learning opportunity as many activities encourage active and outdoor learning, therefore limiting screen time.
“The diverse programs featured within this educational package showcase a variety of learning objectives and although geared toward K-12 students, can prove to be educational and fun for families of all ages,” continued Hall.
Resources offered through “Owlie’s Virtual Adventures” are available for download at www.ieua.org/owlies-virtual-adventures/.
To view a video overview of the program, visit our YouTube channel @IEUAWater.
For over 60 years, CASA has served as a voice for clean water agencies on regulatory, legislative and legal issues. CASA is the leading California association dedicated to advancing wastewater interests, including the recycling of wastewater into usable water, generation of renewable energy, biosolids and other valuable resources.
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency covers 242-square miles, distributes imported water, provides industrial/municipal wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services to more than 875,000 people through its member agencies which include Chino, Chino Hills, Cucamonga Valley Water District, Fontana, Fontana Water Company, Montclair, Monte Vista Water District, Ontario, and Upland. www.ieua.org