University of California Climate Stewards
Congratulations to our first cohort!
On Earth Day 2023, we graduated our first cohort of UC Climate Stewards. These 22 individuals spent 12 weeks studying climate impacts to the environmental and human communities of Santa Clara County. They each presented their service project plans and will be committing to more than 400 hours of volunteer service to Santa Clara County Parks in the year ahead. You will see them out in the parks helping with habitat restoration, educating youth, and connecting with park visitors at events and programs across the county.
About the Course
Are you interested in learning how to engage with community level actions that address climate change?
UC Climate Stewards is a 12-week climate change education and service course for adults that combines online learning and dynamic field experiences to explore the interconnectedness of Santa Clara County's natural resources and human communities.
After certification, UC Climate Stewards will volunteer 40 hours with Santa Clara County Parks or their own local communities in activities ranging from community science, land and water stewardship, civic engagement, and education and interpretation activities.
Facilitated by a team of interpretive naturalists and local experts, this program is presented in partnership with the University of California's Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Continuing education units through UC Davis are available for an additional fee.
Class meetings will be online via Zoom and in-person at various Santa Clara County Park locations. The online Canvas learning platform contains the self-paced readings and assignments, as well as our class discussion boards.
For questions about the Climate Stewards course or the application process, please contact [email protected]
We have not yet scheduled the next course. If you are interested in participating in a future course, please fill out the interest form below.
Typical Class Schedule
Weekly Zoom Sessions: Tuesdays from 6:30-8pm
Biweekly Field Days in Parks: Saturdays/Sundays from 9am-1pm
Requirements
Attend all sessions (up to 2 absences permitted)
Completion of weekly readings and online homework assignments
Capstone Project and Presentation
Forty hours of climate-related volunteer service in the year following the course, 20 hours of which must be dedicated to Santa Clara County Parks
Review the course syllabus from the last course for further details.
Course Fees
Course fees for the 2023 pilot course were $180 per person. Course fees may increase for the next course - paid in full by cash or check (payable to Santa Clara County Parks) at the first in-person class meeting
Who can apply? This course is open to all Santa Clara County residents ages 18+. No prior education in science or environmental subjects is needed, and current college students are encouraged to apply. Course credits area available for an additional fee through UC Davis. Applicants outside Santa Clara County may be considered if space is available in the course. Due to the rigor of the course assignments, field explorations, and reading assignments outside of the noted instructional times, it is important that applicants review the syllabus and be prepared to devote an average of 4-6 hours/week to the course for the duration of the program.
Questions? Email [email protected]
This course is brought to you by Santa Clara County Parks in partnership with University of California.
For more information on the UC Climate Stewards program, visit the University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources Department website.