Through my placement at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, CivicSpark catalyzed my career in California climate policy and grant programming. My service year provided me the knowledge, relevant experience, and professional network that led me to my current position as a Program Analyst at the Strategic Growth Council. This role gives me the incredible opportunity to support communities across the state to plan and implement climate equity projects.

Serving as a CivicSpark AmeriCorps fellow has shown me that we have the power to make an impact in the communities around us. Helping staff members of water agencies master leak detection in underground pipeline is just one project I’ve been involved in, and just one project will result in a very large amount of water and energy savings.

CivicSpark provided a platform and space for me to explore my options for what I truly wanted to do with my passions and career. The program provided me with a deeper understanding of the inner workings of government, and opened numerous doors for me to further expand my environmental education and work experience. CivicSpark was sincerely a foundational experience for me as a young professional.

It is difficult to put a dollar amount on a program that offers you a life-long professional and social network, access to subject matter experts in your field, and challenges you to think critically about issues you are passionate about. If you are not considering a postgraduate program, I would dare to say that you can get equal or greater value from participating in the CivicSpark program.

As a recent college graduate at the time, CivicSpark helped launch my career and provided me with an amazing network that I can lean on for support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without CivicSpark.

I would consider CivicSpark just the program I needed to jumpstart my career and provide me with more possibilities for my future. Additionally, I feel so grateful to have been part of the CivicSpark fellowship program. Beyond the professional development, I have also gained friendships, knowledge and expertise as well as a great community with the Sonoma County Energy and Sustainability Division.

CivicSpark provided a pivotal line into climate policy work where I got hands-on experience writing a climate action plan and connecting with regional and state partners that I still work with today. The number of CivicSpark alums in the profession speaks to the power of the fellowship and our growing network. If you’re interested in climate or sustainability policy work, CivicSpark is the place for you.

The CivicSpark fellowship helped in launching my career in the environmental field. It was an invaluable experience and provided a vast network of connections and resources that I continue to use today.