studentcorps

Student Corps Partners with the City of Mountain View to Enrich Shoreline Park’s Native Plant Garden

by studentcorpsFebruary 8, 2025Leave a comment

by Ruipeng Zeng, Dec 30th, 2024

On December 15, 2024, the Northern California branch of the Student Corps joined forces with the City of Mountain View to enhance the native plant garden located at Sleeper Park along the Stevens Creek Trail. This initiative brought together enthusiastic students and community partners to plant over seven species of native shrubs, including narrow-leaf milkweed, manzanita, thistle, and sunflower.

For two hours, participants worked in teams, digging holes and carefully transferring the plants from their pots into the soil. Their efforts were guided by Ben Martinez, a dedicated park ranger, who shared insights about the ecological benefits of these native plants. Martinez explained that the new additions to the garden would provide essential support to local wildlife and help restore the ecosystem along the trail.

One highlight of the event was learning about the California Buckeye trees, two of which were planted during the project. Martinez shared that these trees would grow to more than 20 feet tall, sparking excitement among the students. Many expressed their eagerness to return in the future to witness the transformation and growth of the garden.

NorCal Chapters Meet with BBBS Bay Area

by studentcorpsDecember 30, 2024Leave a comment

On December 14th, the Student Corps NorCal Chapter met with Sharmaine Sun from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area. As part of their ongoing partnership, Student Corps presented a $1,000 check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area during the gathering. The chapter supervisor and members Iris Zeng, Melinda Wong, and Michelle Li discussed Student Corps’ activities and even potential future events with BBBS of the Bay Area.

Written by Michelle Li

NorCal Student Corps Chapters Volunteer at Resource Area For Teaching

by studentcorpsAugust 13, 2024Leave a comment

On July 28th, NorCal Student Corps members gathered to help RAFT (Resource Area For Teaching) prepare for the upcoming school year. Some students scalloped cardboard, while others bundled yarn for upcoming RAFT products. Another group sorted donated materials, STEAM Project Kits, and school supplies. Through volunteering, the students enabled local educators to implement hands-on techniques in their STEAM curriculum. In addition, RAFT’s use of donated and recycled products ensured that this learning would not come at the cost of the environment.

Written by Michelle Li

NorCal Chapters Participate in Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful

by studentcorpsApril 23, 2024Leave a comment

On April 7, Northern California Student Corps chapters returned to action with Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful. Both parties celebrated the continued partnership with a resoundingly successful creek cleanup, a fitting—if somewhat early—observance of Earth Day. Students gave their full effort for three hours, helping to remove nearly six thousand pounds of trash ranging from tiny plastics to a dining table. Other highlight finds included seventeen shopping carts, numerous bicycle frames and parts, and a washing machine drum embedded in the creek bed, which a number of students worked tirelessly to remove for over an hour. By the end of the event, students were left fulfilled knowing that their efforts removed trash that would have directly caused harm throughout the Bay Area’s ecosystems.

Written by Steven Wang

Saratoga Kids for Kids Art Fundraiser

by studentcorpsJuly 14, 2023Leave a comment

The Student Corps Saratoga Kids for Kids chapter hosted an art sale at the Palo Alto farmer’s market on Saturday, July 8. Featuring handcrafted goods made by chapter members and their families, the sale was well-received by passersby and raised about $200. These funds will go toward hosting a STEM workshop where participants can build their own telegraphs, as part of the chapter’s greater mission to encourage children, especially young girls, to pursue futures in STEM.