The effort to expand environmental education for Ventura County students is getting a boost from the national AmeriCorps volunteer program. Kate Bilse has joined the Ventura County Office of Education as an AmeriCorps volunteer for the 2020-21 school year. Bilse is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she organized volunteer events for local environmental groups. At VCOE, she is currently working on a website that will highlight environmental education opportunities in Ventura County.

Bilse is bringing her talents to VCOE through an AmeriCorps program called the Makers + Mentors Network. “The program is an ideal opportunity to utilize my educational background and work experience to bridge the opportunity gap for K -12 students through interactive learning experiences,” Bilse says.

AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at www.AmeriCorps.gov.