From Learners to Leaders
BCK’s former students and interns continue to make the world a better place!
Jack Dodson
Meet former BCK student, Jack Dodson!
Hometown: Carlsbad, California
University: University of Oregon
Area of Study: BS in Environmental Studies; Minors in Science Communication and Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies
How did your work with BCK Programs spark your passion for the environment?: I had been involved in various environmental projects before working with BCK Programs, but that was my first time doing environmental work in a professional capacity. It showed me that it was possible to have a career doing environmental work, which helped me plan for my future.
Where are you now in your journey as an environmental steward and activist?: I’m currently on the leadership for the Climate Justice League, a student group at the University of Oregon, pressuring our university to take stronger climate action. I also have an internship at Fossil Free Eugene, a nonprofit pushing for city-level climate action, as well as an environmental-related research assistant job.
Learn More About Jack:
Bella Zumot
Meet former BCK intern, Bella Zumot!
Hometown: Encinitas, California
University: University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Area of Study: BS in Natural Resources, Forest Sciences and Conservation
How did your work with BCK Programs spark your passion for the environment?: I had already developed a passion for the environment, but my time with BCK grew my love for environmental conservation and educating others on sustainable practices. Seeing all the hard work they do behind the scenes to make these programs happen is extremely moving. From prepping garden beds in the hot sun to making sure every scrap of waste goes in the right bin, they are outstanding humans and I am eternally grateful I had the opportunity to work with them.
Where are you now in your journey as an environmental steward and activist?: Now on my journey as an environmental steward, I will be attending a university that is committed to being environmentally active as well as majoring in environmental conservation. There, I will work on the campus farm and make my way on to the school’s Environmental Policy Association Board. I hope to carry the knowledge I’ve learned through BCK on to my new college campus and begin new environmental projects to share with others.
Learn More About Bella:
Evelyn Parra
Meet former BCK intern, Evelyn Parra!
Hometown: Carlsbad, California
University: University of California, Davis
Area of Study: Double-major in Environmental Policy and Political Science
How did your work with BCK Programs spark your passion for the environment?: My time with BCK Programs had a profound impact on my passion for the environment. As an intern, I gained hands-on experience collecting and testing stormwater, which gave me a deeper understanding of local environmental challenges. I also spent a summer teaching young students about recycling and composting, which showed me how meaningful education and outreach can be in inspiring sustainable practices.
Where are you now in your journey as an environmental steward and activist?: I am currently a third-year student at UC Davis, focusing on conservation work. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a career with a conservation non-profit, where I can continue combining science, education, and community engagement to create positive environmental change.
Learn More About Evelyn:
Kaitlin Donnelly
Meet former BCK student, Kaitlin Donnelly!
Hometown: Carlsbad, California
University: San Jose State University
Area of Study: BA in Environmental Studies
How did your work with BCK Programs spark your passion for the environment?: When I was in elementary school, BCK Programs visited our school to educate students on environmental issues and established a club called Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan or “SWPPP.” The club met every Wednesday during lunch and also organized field trips. We learned how to test rainwater, went outside in the rain to take actual samples that were tested in a lab, and then we analyzed the results. Everything I learned in the program stuck with me and was my first step in becoming environmentally active. In fact, when I was in sixth grade, a few SWPPP club members and I gave a presentation to the local water board that was so well-received that we were invited to speak at the Tri-State Seminar for Water Professionals in Las Vegas, Nevada. BCK staff were always so kind and welcoming that I kept in touch with them throughout high school. Because of BCK, I can listen to the same information about the environment and never get bored with it, and I know I have found my passion.
Where are you now in your journey as an environmental steward and activist?: I am currently attending San Jose State University, where I am excited to connect with others with the same passion to protect the environment. I plan on finding internship opportunities with a company or organization that focuses on our environment and what we can do to safeguard and improve it. Additionally, since I am bilingual in English and Spanish, I plan to travel internationally with the knowledge I gain and spread environmental awareness worldwide to make the difference even greater.
Learn More About Kaitlin:
Kylie Martin
Meet former BCK intern, Kylie Martin!
Hometown: Brentwood, California
University: California State University, San Marcos
Area of Study: BA in Environmental Studies
How did your work with BCK Programs spark your passion for the environment?: Working with BCK Programs was truly an honor and a privilege due to it strengthening my understanding of environmental stewardship and giving back to the community. Working with the next generation of future environmental rockstars and seeing their deep intrinsic understanding of the environment—and wanting to protect it!—was truly motivating and inspiring for my future goals. Seeing kids simply sorting their waste correctly at lunch gave me hope for the future of environmental stewards and inspiration within myself to embed change within our city governments.
Where are you now in your journey as an environmental steward and activist?: Currently, I am working part-time at the City of Carlsbad within the Environmental Sustainability Department where I assist with the Climate Action and Watershed Protection divisions. I also recently started an internship with the Climate Action Sustainability Program on CSUSM’s campus.
