Assemblymember Isaac Bryan delivers remarks at West LA College’s climate career fair. (courtesy photo)

For Jo Tavares, Director of the California Center for Climate Change Education at West Los Angeles College (WLAC), climate action is not an abstract idea—it’s a living, breathing movement that starts with people. And on Saturday, August 9, the movement was in full swing as hundreds gathered on the WLAC campus for the “Building Resilient Futures Career Fair,” a community event bridging education, jobs, and environmental stewardship. 

A proud group of student interns and fellows from West Los Angeles College’s Climate Center pose together at the “Building Resilient Futures Career Fair” on August 9, showcasing the next generation of leaders driving climate action and sustainability in Los Angeles. (courtesy photo)

Standing before a crowd of students, families, and employers, Tavares reflected on the impact of the Center’s groundbreaking work. 

“Over 100 students celebrated their halfway mark of summer internship,” she said, smiling. “We want them to start thinking what the next thing will be. West LA College is the right place. Climate change has been our focus and motivation, and it brought out everyone in the community.” 

Los Angeles Community College District Trustee Nichelle Henderson addresses attendees at West Los Angeles College’s “Building Resilient Futures Career Fair,” highlighting the role of climate education in shaping informed leaders and a sustainable future. (courtesy photo)

Under her leadership, the Climate Center has become a hub for collaboration and innovation, bringing together educators, employers, and civic leaders. 

“We created internship programs, collaborated with teachers to integrate climate change into their courses, and connected with high schools, community colleges, and community leaders,” Tavares explained. “We want people to see our space as an extension of their neighborhood. The last two years we piloted so many different projects that other places can use as a blueprint. This is a rare thing—they don’t do this everywhere. We want to open up the college to the community because it’s a public space.” 

The Climate Center, home to the nation’s first Associate Degree in Climate Change & Environmental Studies, is proving that education and action go hand in hand. Students of all majors can participate in the Center’s paid internships, gaining hands-on experience in environmental policy, clean energy, ocean conservation, and more. For Tavares, the internships are more than resume-builders—they’re launching pads for leadership. 

A Career Fair with Purpose 

The “Building Resilient Futures Career Fair,” produced in partnership with the Office of Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, brought together over 30 employers, many offering immediate job and internship opportunities. It wasn’t just a recruitment event—it was a showcase of how education and workforce development can merge to address climate change and economic opportunity at the same time. 

Los Angeles Community College District Trustee and candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Nichelle Henderson praised the interns’ work and the Center’s vision before introducing Assemblymember Bryan. 

“Whether they choose careers in ocean conservation or environmental policy, their experiences with the Climate Center will instill in them the knowledge and tools to become informed leaders, innovators, and advocates in the spaces and places that they live, work, and play,” Henderson said. “We are ensuring that our students aren’t just witnesses to transformations, we are ensuring that they are architects of transformation. And, today we’re building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Los Angeles.” 

When Bryan took the stage, he spoke about the significance of having a Climate Change Studies degree and a dedicated center for climate education right in the community. 

“The Center happened because the administration fought for it and you deserve it,” Bryan said. “So, let’s make the most of it and let’s get the education we need to build the future we deserve. No one person makes a future. It takes every single one of us, so thank you for coming out today.” 

Education Meets Community 

Throughout the day, attendees explored WLAC’s academic programs, including its $0 Tuition Promise Program, and took advantage of on-site enrollment assistance. A noon campus tour offered a glimpse into the classrooms and labs where tomorrow’s climate leaders are being trained.  

For Tavares, the day was about more than just connecting people to jobs—it was about embedding climate awareness into the fabric of the community. 

“This is about making sure our neighbors have access to careers that not only sustain them but sustain our world,” she said. “When we open the doors of the college to the community, we open the door to a better future.” 

Over the last two years, the Center has piloted programs that are now being looked at as models for other institutions. With continued support from elected officials like Assemblymember Bryan and community champions, Tavares believes the blueprint created at WLAC can be replicated in neighborhoods across Los Angeles and beyond. 

“We’ve shown that when you combine education, opportunity, and community partnership, you create real change,” she said. “And that’s exactly what we’re building here—together.” 

 

Links 

https://lasentinel.net/tammy-pettigrew-is-on-a-mission-to-break-the-cannabis-stigma-one-conversation-at-a-time.html 

 

Social Media 

@climatectr_wlac @westlacollege