Anayeli Ramirez, a 2022 Monache High School Environmental Science Academy, ESA, graduate, is making a lasting impact far beyond her hometown. Recently featured in 3M’s docuseries Green Works, Ramirez shared her journey from witnessing the effects of climate change in her community to becoming a chemical engineering student at UC Berkeley, where she’s focusing on energy and the environment.
Her introduction to climate action came during her junior year of high school when she learned about PUSD’s partnership with Climate Action Pathways for Schools,CAPS. Intrigued by the opportunity to address real-world challenges, she joined the program as an intern.
“I decided to apply, be involved, and help mitigate the effects of climate change, especially in our school district,” she said. Through CAPS, she worked on projects that directly addressed sustainability, which helped her develop the skills and confidence to pursue a career in green energy.
Ramirez said she believes action and knowledge are powerful tools for change. “One person can make a difference,” she said. “We all have the ability to start somewhere, take action, and work together to create positive change.”
For Ramirez, sharing her journey is about inspiring others to believe in their potential to make an impact. “I really hope that my knowledge doesn’t stop with me. The biggest thing for me is knowing that I can make an impact somewhere.”
This year, 20 PUSD students from the Environmental Science Academy, Harmony Magnet Academy's Academy of Engineering, AOE, Granite Hills High School's Academy of Careers in Education, ACE, pathways have followed in Ramirez's footsteps as CAPS interns. These students are tackling impactful projects such as Building Decarbonization, which involves conducting energy audits, upgrading school sites with energy-efficient lighting, and creating systems to monitor and reduce energy use across the district. Other ongoing projects include Sustainable Food Systems, Water Conservation, and Transportation.
Reflecting on the program's impact, CAPS Program Manager Rhyane Shanley said, “The CAPS internship provides students with invaluable hands-on experience, empowering them to tackle real-world challenges. This program not only inspires many to pursue careers in STEM and sustainability, but it also equips the next generation of innovators with the skills and confidence to create meaningful change in our world.”
Through CAPS and other internships with partners such as Kaweah Delta, Expanded Learning, Tulare County Federal Credit Union, and many others, PUSD Pathways students gain valuable skills, real-world knowledge, and the confidence to succeed in various careers and industries. By providing these one-of-a-kind opportunities, PUSD looks to ensure all students graduate prepared to tackle the challenges of college, careers, and beyond.
As Ramirez put it, “Now, more than ever, is the time to tell the younger generation they can. They can join this career, they can take action, they can be part of the solution.”
The docuseries Green Works can be found on the Generous Films YouTube page.