In Their Own Words: CAPS Alumnx Reflect on Lessons Learned

Through our programs, CAPS aims to create a long-term impact on the lives of young people, imparting them with experiences and skills that will serve them throughout their academic and professional lives. CAPS offers students paid hands-on learning experiences where they lead climate action projects that improve their school communities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing environmental justice, and preparing them for green careers. 

In this collection of reflections from past CAPS interns, alumnx share the most important things they’ve learned as interns, how CAPS inspired them, and the continued impact of their experiences as interns. From developing leadership and communication skills to building a deeper understanding of sustainability and community action, CAPS alumnx demonstrate the importance of equipping young people with the tools they need to reclaim their future from climate change.

On Their Experience in the CAPS Program 

“CAPS allowed me to break into the world of science that really matters — the world that makes a real impact. Being given this opportunity my senior year allowed me to develop new skills that I carry every day in educational and professional settings.” — Kali Axtell

“My experience in the CAPS program was such a great exposure to all of the possibilities there are in climate action. It really opened my eyes to how important it is to be outspoken about the reality of our future.” — Kamila Juarez-Gutierrez

“When I was in high school, CAPS helped me gain experience in sustainability, climate action work, and community work that will, in the long run, help me pursue a career in the environmental science field. I worked mainly on zero waste, active transportation, and some research with hydration station projects. I was also able to present over Zoom with the United Nations for Climate Action Week.” — Jesika Gonzalez

“My experience of being a CAPS Intern was amazing, and I loved the opportunities that were presented, and the community CAPS works with. The internship helped me get to know my community better, learn to be presentable, and improve my public speaking.” — David Proctor

How CAPS Inspired Or Impacted Them

“I've seen firsthand how climate change has affected our community. My involvement with CAPS began with my desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and I've witnessed the positive impact the program has had on the Porterville Unified School District.” — Anayeli Ramirez Leon

“My work in this organization showed me just how simple being sustainable is, whether it’s implementing smarter technology in schools or just teaching students to turn off lights when they leave the room. Any act of being mindful of our usage is worth it in the long run. I hope to be able to explain and show this to others as passionately and bravely as our program leader Estefania Pihen does. Being exposed to this new environment and way of thinking really moved me to want more for my community.” — Kamila Juarez-Gutierrez

“My experience in CAPS improved my communication/presentation skills. It helped me be prepared and learn great time management skills.”  — Jesika Gonzalez

“Being an intern exposed me to new people who were very different from me: different socioeconomic backgrounds, parenting techniques, and thoughts on the climate crisis at hand. It gave me the knowledge and skills to work closely with those individuals. Teamwork and leadership are arguably the two most important skills taught in CAPS.” — Kalil Axtell

Other Work Or Volunteer Experience CAPS Alumnx Became Involved In

“I have been a part of the student teacher program known as Mission Science since my first semester as a college freshman here at USC. In this program, I've taught cohorts of students from third to fifth grade weekly STEM lessons during the academic year. This opportunity to be in this outreach program is something I actively sought to participate in because, as programs like CAPS taught me, outreach and early exposure to STEM can be very beneficial to young students.” — Ariana Robles

“For my last two years of high school, I acted as the Environmental Club's president. The club was massive, and my position entailed organizing campus-wide recycling, environmental initiatives, and starting our own Gregori High School thrift store.” — Kali Axtell

“I was in Sequoia Riverland Trust Earth Academy, where I would go out to the Blue Oak Preserve and learn about the preserve. Then I would show and talk about those preserves with fourth- and fifth-graders.” — Jesika Gonzalez

“This summer, I worked as a Research and Development Intern at Blue Planet Systems, a sustainable startup focused on carbon capture and sequestration. I led a summer project in their lab, where I developed an accurate method to mimic their carbon mineralization process at a lab scale. Blue Planet’s technology is the only known scalable method for capturing and permanently sequestering CO2, turning it into valuable building materials.” — Anayeli Ramirez Leon