Gillian Lasher, CivicSpark
“I’m fortunate my service site was very supportive and committed to my success and learning, both professionally and personally.”
Devontae Springer, California Justice Leaders
“I learned to see storytelling as a way to connect and gain a better understanding of one another and to advocate on issues related to the community.”
Hester Schneekloth, California Reading & Math Corps
“I love what I do through this program and know that I can keep making a difference in the lives of children.”
Sylvia Oo, PASS AmeriCorps
“I’m very grateful for my experience with PASS AmeriCorps for empowering me to pursue social work and excited to continue serving underserved students with mental health needs.”
Tara Pai, L.A. Works
“The power of one isn’t just about individual effort; it’s about how one action, one choice to care, can inspire others to keep building something better — together.”
Nick Vallejo, City of San Diego
“California Climate Action Corps really allowed me to build connections – my supervisor connected me with leaders from the EPA, Cal Recycle, the federal government and my local government here in the City of San Diego.”
Rachel Ostrander, Butte County Fire Safe Council
“The ability to contribute to such meaningful and impactful work fills me with pride and reinforces my commitment to environmental education and wildfire prevention.”
Bryan Miranda Quintana, University of Redlands
“If I can help guide and inspire the leaders of this world to prioritize the well-being of people, the environment, and our planet, I believe that would be a truly just and worthwhile cause.”
Sarah Imani Mola, Cal Poly Pomona
“I was raised to see that we’re all in this together… Nothing we do is isolated from anything else. I feel like I have a responsibility to give back to my community.”
Caleb Tam, University of the Pacific
“Being a mentor with Improve Your Tomorrow and seeing the importance a mentorship has on young men—it’s been eye-opening.”
Yessenia Sanchez, UCLA
“During one session with a student, she told me for the first time without prompting that she ‘believed in herself.’ It was my proudest moment.”
Maddie Sit, University of San Diego
“Working on projects for the community, learning from your team in a safe environment, and bonding with other College Corps fellows … it’s the perfect opportunity.”
Max Kiehlmeier, City of Fresno
“Building strong working relationships is crucial for personal growth and skill development. The people I encountered were instrumental in my journey.”
Amelia Uytingco, City of San Jose
“By igniting a love for learning, I helped my students learn that not only could they achieve, but they could excel. I saw my ability to make real tangible change in my community.”
Alfredo Campos, Marin FIRE Foundry
“This program inspired me to chase after a career in fire service and gave me the opportunity to gain a better understanding of what my next steps are in order to achieve my goal to become a full time firefighter.”
Chris Ashley, City of Sacramento
“We can go anywhere now and feel like we can help save the planet, one meal at a time.”
