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Why Apply

Whether you are a recent college graduate or bring many years of experience, the CSU STEM VISTA program can help you build your resume, learn on the job and grow your profession network. Hover over the pictures below to learn why CSU STEM VISTA members chose to serve.

 
Image of Zanai Wallace

"Becoming a VISTA has been such a pleasant surprise. I never planned or expected to be an AmeriCorps member, especially not completing multiple service terms. I applied specifically for the CSU STEM VISTA program because the work here aligns with the future I want to see. I got into activism a few years ago and VISTA work has opened my eyes to the different ways we can show up and work towards an equitable future."

— Zanai Wallace California State University Chancellor’s Office

 
Image of Emily Ward

"I applied to be a VISTA two years ago when my career path had taken yet another turn. The Master of Social Work program I had been working on the semester before no longer seemed like the only way to finding work that would fulfill my personal values of compassion, relationship, and justice. When I found this program, I knew it was meant to be. CSU STEM VISTA has shown me that there are and will always be amazing collaborators working towards systemic change!"

— Emily Ward, California State University Chancellor’s Office

 
Image of Do kyung Hwang

"Higher education has positively impacted my life in countless ways. However, the impact would not have been as significant without the constant support and encouragement I received from my community at San Jose State University. I realized the importance of a college degree, not only for my own personal advancement but also for the betterment of society. With these two realizations, the CSU STEM VISTA program aligned perfectly with my values and passions! I was drawn to becoming the constant support system that helped me throughout college to current students."

— Do kyung Hwang, San Jose State University

 
Image of Marmar Tavasol

"I applied to be a VISTA because I wanted to take on a position that would allow me to have an impact on some of the issues that I find to be of the most importance in the current socio-political climate. Being a VISTA gives me the opportunity to give back to my alma mater and contribute to the community and institution that allowed me to succeed in a really meaningful way."

— Marmar Tavasol, Cal Poly Pomona

 
Image of Eisen Ipac

"As a first-generation, low-income, DACA-mented graduate, I am a product of an educational system that aims to both exceptionalize and, more often, disenfranchise students with similar backgrounds. Being a VISTA allows me to combat education inequity by actively working with underrepresented students and ensuring that new and existing spaces we help build are where they can thrive, aspire towards dreams, and speak their minds."

— Eisen Ipac, Cal Poly Pomona

 
Image of Daisy Hernandez

"I decided to stay a second year as a VISTA because of the program’s core value and the impact it has on the community I serve. After serving the first year, I noticed the great impact it has for the Stan State students and the K-12 students from the community. The program serves the community of the Central Valley by bringing STEM Education to communities that generally aren’t able to obtain STEM activities."

— Daisy Hernandez, Stanislaus State

 
Image of Lilian Leung

"I have started studying education since my undergraduate. My passion for education inspires my career goal. I was a math teacher for two years then I realized teaching was not for me. I started to look at opportunities in higher educational settings where I can continue supporting students outside of a classroom environment. A career change can be challenging, but being a VISTA allows me to build my resume, expand my network, and prepare for my next chapter of life."

— Lilian Leung, Cal State Los Angeles

 
Image of Jose A. Canela

"I applied to be a VISTA because I wanted to expand my knowledge. I studied Global Health Studies in my undergraduate but I was always interested in education especially around accessibility to quality education. Being a VISTA has given me the opportunity to work in the education field and to learn from it. Access to quality education is as important as having access to quality healthcare, in my opinion."

— Jose A. Canela, CSU East Bay

 
Image of Alejandra Alarcon

"As an organizer, my role has always been to educate and continue to be educated to truly mobilize and create change -- education and knowledge are power. I applied to be a VISTA to expand my network and build my professional resume to continue strengthening those practices within higher education. I hope to start building stronger communities with the goal to improve educational practices and its accessibility at all levels."

— Alejandra Alarcon, Cal State Los Angeles

 
Image of Tori Bowser

"I applied to be a VISTA because I believe in the power of education. Joining Peer Connections, an organization committed to students’ holistic development, empowered me to take risks and reach my full potential as an undergraduate student. Now, as a VISTA, I support the very program that inspired me to be all that I can be."

— Tori Bowser, San Jose State University

 
Image of Noor Sulaiman

"I have always been interested in building a platform to work towards a more equal and understanding campus environment. I worked towards giving access to STEM students and to eliminate race, gender, and class disparities. This has interested me in the message STEM VISTA stands for. It aligns with many of my core values and beliefs."

— Noor Sulaiman, CSU Sacramento

"As a first-generation college student, I had many unanswered questions related to which classes to take or how to effectively study as a freshman. It wasn’t until I joined BOND (a program developed by former VISTAs), that I was able to gain the skills in order to be a successful student in STEM. After learning that VISTAs work closely with BOND, I knew it was an opportunity for me to give back to a program that gave me so much more than I can return."

— Allyssa Antonia Gomez, California State University Fresno

 
Image of Allyssa Antonia Gomez

"As a first-generation college student, I had many unanswered questions related to which classes to take or how to effectively study as a freshman. It wasn’t until I joined BOND (a program developed by former VISTAs), that I was able to gain the skills in order to be a successful student in STEM. After learning that VISTAs work closely with BOND, I knew it was an opportunity for me to give back to a program that gave me so much more than I can return."

— Allyssa Antonia Gomez, California State University Fresno

 
Image of Nathalie Solorzano

"I applied to be a VISTA to be a voice for underrepresented communities. I strive to be a part of a community which focuses on eliminating the disparities within education. Being a VISTA allows me to provide pathways to higher opportunities. I want to break the status quo -- to stop talking about the problem and be the solution. As a recent STEM graduate, I seek for opportunities to serve my community and to improve the STEM education."

— Nathalie Solorzano, CSU Monterey Bay

 
Image of Amy Albinus

"I applied to be a VISTA because I wanted to support and advocate for students’ health and wellness. Getting to contribute to equitable and systemic change was an incredible opportunity that VISTA offered post-graduation. I am able to sit at the table to address complex challenges in higher education, such as the stigma related to mental health concerns."

— Amy Albinus, Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo

 
Image of Kevin Joel Salubre

"I applied to be a VISTA because it was an opportunity to gain research experience while making a positive impact in the San Jose community by engaging underserved students in STEM education. I’m proud to be serving in my second year. The values and the asset-based approach of the VISTA program has resonated with me and I’ll utilize throughout my professional career."

— Kevin Joel Salubre, San Jose State University

 
Image of Anelise Wyandt

"I applied to be a VISTA to break down some barriers to success in higher education. Since I am a first generation college graduate from a low income family myself, I knew some of the barriers that existed that I wanted to dismantle, but I also knew I didn't know all of them. VISTA gives me the opportunity to learn from and about others, while creating tools to help them excel."

— Anelise Wyandt, Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo

 
Image of Yakelin Arroyo

"I applied to be a VISTA because I wanted to give back to the university that helped shape me. I first learned about what It meant to be a VISTA when I volunteered as a Summer Associate in 2018. I knew then that I wanted to come back in the future as a yearlong VISTA. It is really rewarding knowing that I am helping make a difference in the lives of students.” "

— Yakelin Arroyo, California State University Fresno

 
Image of Allison Pelland

"My goal and passion is to work within higher education to empower students to utilize resources they will need to be successful. The VISTA position was the ideal first step to achieving my goal by allowing me to contribute to the Learning Assistant program at CSU East Bay with equity at the forefront of my mind. The VISTA role is a win-win, benefiting me and my professional development, while also benefiting the community."

— Allison Pelland, CSU East Bay

 
Image of Selene Yabes

"Applying to be a VISTA aligns with my core values, personal experience, professional goals and allows me to give back to my graduating campus. VISTA’s mission speaks directly to me: alleviating poverty while focusing on first-generation college STEM majors. I’ve walked in these shoes throughout college and longed to empower others in their journey. I gain on-the-job professional growth opportunities in a collaborative network and build from my existing work experience and skills."

— Selene Yabes, CSU Monterey Bay

 
Image of Elaine Sidori

"I applied to be a VISTA because I was curious about the strategies being implemented to help alleviate educational inequities in higher education. Having experienced tremendous professional and personal growth during my first VISTA year, I decided to do a second year. Doing so has allowed me to solidify the projects that I began in my first year and to expand my knowledge and leadership skills."

— Elaine Sidori, San Francisco State University