The Research Institute for Public Management and Governance (RIPMG) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) has been awarded a grant from the Inland Empire Regional Energy Network (I-REN) to support a new portfolio of Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification (EM&V) research. Launched in July 2025, this initiative strengthens regional energy efficiency programs and expands opportunities for community impact.

The grant establishes CSUSB as I-REN’s academic partner in conducting six research studies across three program sectors: Public Sector, Codes & Standards, and Workforce Education & Training. These studies will examine barriers to project development, equitable access to energy programs, training effectiveness, and workforce outcomes such as fellowship retention and performance metrics.

“This partnership, which engages faculty and students of the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, reflects our college’s efforts to engage community partners that supports both the sustainability and workforce development goals in our region,” said Robert Stokes, director of RIMPG and the primary investigator for the award. “By working with I-REN, our faculty and students seek to forward I-REN’s mission of serving the residents and public agencies of the Inland Empire to improve the economic, social and environmental outcomes in the region.”

Working alongside Stokes is Ki Eun Kang, an assistant professor in CSUSB’s Department of Public Administration. She’s the co-primary investigator for this grant.

The collaboration will engage students in applied research, create pathways into green careers, and provide actionable data to help local governments and organizations meet California’s energy and equity goals.