Our Experiences as College Corps Sustainability Fellows at the County of San Diego

05/17/24

Guest authors: Lily Gallardo and Noel Davis, Student Fellows

This past school year we participated in the #Californiansforall College Corps Program. This program aims to support students who are passionate about addressing California’s societal challenges related to K-12 education, climate action, and food insecurity by partnering them with a community host organization. Students then connect with their community partners to form a plan to complete 450 hours of direct service and training during the scholastic year.

As students at the University of San Diego (USD), we’re proud that our university was identified as a leader in enacting climate action and was selected to participate in the #Californiansforall College Corps Program for a second year. This year, the program at USD has expanded from 30 to over 100 student fellows! We are both fortunate to have been placed with the County of San Diego (County) for our fellowship – for Noel in the Sustainability Planning Division and for Lily in the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice (OSEJ). We are excited to share our experiences over the past year.

Lily’s time with the County

Student Fellows In OSEJ

I feel very grateful for my time in OSEJ. As a student of Sociology, I am passionate about enacting social change and improving the world around me. During my time with OSEJ, I’ve gained invaluable insight into how the County is actively enhancing sustainability efforts both internally and regionwide.

I have participated in a variety of projects, including tracking sustainability initiatives on a local, state, and national level, creating a social and environmental justice shared language glossary, and tabling within the community.

As my fellowship ends and I reflect on my time, my biggest takeaway is understanding the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors in sustainability.I feel hopeful for the future knowing that there is a such a strong and passionate group at OSEJ working to achieve a more sustainable world.

Noel’s time with the County

Student Fellows In Sustainbality

I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve as a College Corps fellow with the County’s Sustainability Planning Division. Much of my work with the County was for the Climate Action Plan (CAP). During my time here, I've gotten to learn more about the “behind the scenes” of environmental government policy, as well as participate in community engagement efforts. I conducted research for grant programs, published articles for the CAP newsletter, and created informational posts for our social media accounts.

I have also gotten the chance to work with the conservation team and assist with the County’s Butterflies Habitat Conservation Plan. Like Lily, I also study Sociology at USD and working with the County has given me an opportunity to create change. As I reach the end of my time with the County, I am filled with appreciation for all I have learned here and am looking forward to ways I can continue making change in my community!


We are both so fortunate for our time at the County with the Sustainability Planning Division and OSEJ. We’ve had the chance to work on real-world projects and tackle important issues that impact our communities, which has given us a deeper understanding of sustainability and teamwork. Our experiences working at the County as College Corps fellows has taught us invaluable skills which we will carry into our careers beyond college. Our time at the County has not only shaped us personally and professionally but has also instilled us with a sense of purpose and responsibility towards a more sustainable and equitable world.