Campus Chapter Students Boost Climate Literacy at San Diego Mesa College

This month, three students from San Diego Mesa College are beginning internships as climate ambassadors on campus. The new role was created by TerraMesa Environmental Sustainability Club, a chapter with the Audubon on Campus program. With support from Audubon in Action grant funding, TerraMesa is working to elevate climate literacy and inspire sustainable practices across the campus.

As part of a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), the chapter wanted to prioritize diversity and inclusion. The ambassador roles were promoted through the school’s Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) office, which supports first-generation and historically marginalized students. "It is important that we promote the ambassador positions through the EOPS office," said TerraMesa co-President and Environmental Science major Kaila Peters. "This opens the door to impactful opportunities and builds connections between passionate individuals."

In their new roles, climate ambassadors will lead efforts to educate the campus community and help organize a series of workshops featuring local environmental leaders and policy experts. Peters hopes that these activities will empower students to turn their environmental knowledge into meaningful action giving interns valuable experience. "Connecting students with these positions prepares them for success in their career by actively engaging in their community," she emphasized.

The Audubon in Action grant is also supporting the installation of informative signage in the TerraMesa Community Garden, a collaborative effort with San Diego Bird Alliance and the San Diego Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. These signs will provide garden volunteers with essential knowledge on climate literacy topics like habitat conservation, water management, and ecosystem services.

Since it was founded, the TerraMesa Environmental Sustainability Club has been dedicated to empowering students to create positive change on campus and in their communities. With the launch of the Climate Literacy @ Mesa project, the chapter is excited to build a dynamic community of students who are passionate about climate action, habitat conservation, and sustainable solutions. "I am most hopeful for the future positive changes to sustainability in our campus," Peters said. "We aim for a large group of students who share a driven and motivated mindset to come together and promote the importance of education and innovation."  The climate ambassadors will help them pave the way. 

Visit Audubon On Campus  for more information about the program.