2024 AASHE Sustainability Change Leadership Program
The AASHE Sustainability Change Leadership Program is a three-month virtual program aimed at training individuals in various aspects of organizational change for sustainability, applicable now and throughout one’s career. One-on-one and collaborative coaching from expert faculty, mentors and peers provides participants with ongoing support aimed at refining skills and providing an iterative project process. There are limited openings available for this cohort (approximately 10-12 participants). The deadline to apply is Jan. 16.
Sustainability Professionals Exchange 2024
Presented by AASHE, the Sustainability Professionals Exchange is a professional learning opportunity that provides space to explore challenges and opportunities for refining and progressing sustainability work on campus. The online event takes place across four half-days in January 2024 and is structured to enable participants to co-create the agenda.
AASHE Workshop: Building a Curriculum Development Program: The Piedmont/Ponderosa Model
This curriculum development workshop aims to equip faculty/instructors with the knowledge, materials and strategies to adapt the Piedmont/Ponderosa model of sustainability across the curriculum at their institutions. Resource materials, interactive breakout room discussions and opportunities for Q&A will be included. The event takes place on Jan. 4 and 11, 2024, from 2-4:30 p.m. Eastern on both days. The registration deadline is Jan. 4, 2024.
2024 AASHE Sustainability Change Leadership Program
This program is a three-month virtual program aimed at training individuals in various aspects of organizational change for sustainability, applicable now and throughout one’s career. One-on-one and collaborative coaching from expert faculty, mentors and peers provides participants with ongoing support aimed at refining skills and providing an iterative project process. There are limited openings available for this cohort (approximately 10-12 participants). The deadline to apply is Jan. 16, 2024.
Joan Mosenthal DeWind Award
The Xerces Society offers annual awards to support students pursuing educational research in Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) conservation. The awards will be $10,000 each, with two awards available. The submission deadline is Jan. 7, 2024.
Environmental Changemaker Certificate Training
Offered by Change the Chamber, this training is for those that work in the environmental and/or climate advocacy space. Launching Jan. 16, it offers content on allyship, systems change, storytelling, visioning, relationship and coalition building, and communications. Students who complete the courses receive a certificate.
Second Nature Pro Bono Consulting
Signatories to one of Second Nature's Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments and/or members of the University Climate Change Coalition are eligible to apply for pro bono technical assistance and consulting services with climate action planning, GHG scope analysis, decarbonization and renewable energy, valued up to $25,000. The deadline to apply is Dec. 22.
AASHE On-Demand
This virtual repository captures years of knowledge and insights from AASHE conferences. The platform offers access to over 400 sessions, keynotes, masterclasses and webinars, providing invaluable resources for effective and impactful institutional sustainability change. Anyone can register for AASHE On-Demand, however, those that registered for AASHE 2023 in Boston, Mass., receive complimentary access. All content is available through July 31, 2024.
Sustainability Professionals Exchange 2024
Presented by AASHE, the Sustainability Professionals Exchange is a professional learning opportunity that provides space to explore challenges and opportunities for refining and progressing sustainability work on campus. The online event takes place across four half-days in January 2024 and is structured to enable participants to co-create the agenda.
Accounting for Sustainability International Case Competition
The A4S International Case Competition is an opportunity for students to design the next generation of sustainable business models. This year's case focuses on 'Adapting Business Models to Support Human Rights for All'. The application window closes on Jan. 14, 2024.
Bicycle Friendly University Open Application Period
The League of American Bicyclists invites applications for the Bicycle Friendly University recognition, a program that recognizes institutions of higher education for promoting and providing a more bikeable campus for students, staff and visitors. The application deadline is Aug. 8, 2024.
2024 STARS Cohort and End of Year Discount
Through the end of 2023, AASHE is providing two opportunities to help institutions participate in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)–a cohort program and a 20 percent discount off a new STARS Full Access subscription. The deadline to sign up is Dec. 31.
Smart Approaches to Sustainability on Campuses Survey
A team from the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme and the European School of Sustainability Science and Research invites participants to complete a survey called Smart Approaches to Sustainability on Campuses. This study investigates how higher education institutions have been implementing smart campus sustainability approaches.
2024 Campus Race to Zero Waste Competition
The Campus Race to Zero Waste is a free competition and benchmarking tool for college and university recycling programs to promote waste reduction activities. Over an eight-week period each spring, colleges report the amount of recycling and trash collected each week and are then ranked in various categories. New in 2024 is an events category that recognizes institutions that track and report waste for one-day campus events. Deadline to register is Jan. 31, 2024.
STARS 3.0 Consultative Weighting Exercise
This survey is designed to give the broader AASHE community a voice in the process of weighting the categories and impact areas that will be included in the next version of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS 3.0). The results will be shared with the STARS Steering Committee to inform the final point allocation process for the new version. AASHE is soliciting feedback through Nov. 12.
Wild Kingdom College and University Grant Program
National Wildlife Federation and Mutual of Omaha invite applications for grant funding aimed at supporting universities and colleges to showcase and fund innovative and solutions-based programs or strategies that help protect and/or restore wildlife and key habitats. Grant amounts are $7,500 and $10,000. The deadline to submit an application is Dec. 15.
The Climate Initiative Youth Action Grants
Youth Action Grants will be awarded to individuals or groups who demonstrate a commitment to mitigating and/or adapting to the impacts of climate change in their communities.
Action projects should be student-led and community-based, and empower students to develop climate solutions in their local landscape.
Anti-Racist Community Engagement: 2023-2024 Virtual Speaker & Workshop Series
This series of virtual author talks and workshops explores how students, community members, staff and faculty put anti-racist principles into practice at college and university campuses and in communities. The series is offered by Campus Compact, in collaboration with the authors and editors of the recently published book,Anti-Racist Community Engagement: Principles and Practices.
Building Performance Standards in Higher Education Workshop Series
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Sustainable Endowments Institute are offering a series of virtual workshops on Building Performance Standards and what it means for higher education. This workshop series aims to provide a background on existing building policies in the U.S., discuss how the requirements of upcoming policies can be designed to better align with institutional realities in the higher ed sector, and explore how college and university leaders can prepare for these policies.
AASHE Governance Call for Applications
AASHE seeks candidates to serve on its board of directors, STARS Steering Committee and Advisory Council that can lend their time, talent and expertise to advance all aspects of AASHE's mission. In particular, AASHE encourages applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and those with expertise in racial equity and social justice. Interested candidates should submit an application by Nov. 3.
Sustainability Professionals Exchange 2024
Presented by AASHE, the Sustainability Professionals Exchange is a professional learning opportunity that provides space to explore challenges and opportunities for refining and progressing sustainability work on campus. The online event takes place across four half-days in January 2024 and is structured to enable participants to co-create the agenda.
STARS 3.0 Consultative Weighting Exercise
This survey is designed to give the broader AASHE community a voice in the process of weighting the categories and impact areas to be included in the next version (3.0) of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). The results will be shared with the STARS Steering Committee to inform the final point allocation process for the new version. AASHE is soliciting feedback through Nov. 12.
US EPA Environmental Education Grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks grant applications to support environmental education projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship and help provide people with the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment. Up to $3.6 million is available across each of the EPA’s 10 regions, divided into grants of $50,000–$100,000 each, for a total of 30–40 grants. Applications are due Nov. 8.
2024 Corporate Engagement Challenge
Intentional Endowment Network's Student Corporate Engagement Challenge invites students to pitch an investment in a publicly-traded company, and include in that recommendation a shareholder engagement strategy focused on addressing inequality and the climate crisis. The deadline to sign up is Dec. 22.
Winter ‘24 Institute on Teaching Social Action
This three-day virtual event (Jan. 3-5, 2023) will introduce faculty and staff to an experiential learning approach for incorporating social action campaigns into either a semester-long course or co-curricular workshop series. During three half-days (noon to 4:00 p.m. Eastern), participants will draft a syllabus and develop a teaching plan for supporting student campaigns. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15.
COP28 Second Nature Delegation
This December, Second Nature will be leading a higher education delegation to the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, happening Nov. 30 through Dec. 12. Second Nature invites those who plan to attend to fill out the form so that events, receptions and sessions can be planned.
ISO 50001 Energy Management Technical Assistance Cohorts
The U.S. Department of Energy’s 50001 Ready program is providing free technical assistance to cohorts of energy team members at colleges and universities aiming to implement energy management systems based on the ISO 50001 standard. The cohort program includes six to twelve months of support and resources developed by the Department of Energy.
Large-Scale Renewable Energy Siting and Planning Grant Funding
The Renewable Energy Siting Through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program, offered by the U.S. Department of Energy, seeks to expand the decision-making capacity and expertise of state and local governments around large-scale renewable energy planning, siting and permitting. The R-STEP program is accepting applications for the creation of new, or the expansion of existing, state-based programs or initiatives that improve renewable energy siting processes at the state and local levels. The deadline to submit is Nov. 3.
Climate Adaptation Partnerships (CAP) Program Grants
This U.S. Department of Commerce grant program provides funding to teams of applied researchers seeking to expand society's regional capacity to adapt to climate impacts. The application deadline is Feb. 5, 2024.
STEM Course & Program Grants
Higher education institutions are invited to apply for Course and Program Grants from VentureWell, which provide up to $30,000 to expand and strengthen STEM innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, with the end goal of accelerating sustainable and inclusive innovation. The application deadline is Nov. 8.
2023-24 Engaged Research Fund
Designed to support university graduate students and faculty scholars working to develop long-term, sustainable community partnerships as a central part of their research, the program awards $6,000 to graduate students and $9,000 to faculty scholars who are currently conducting or commencing research that incorporates community engagement and supports sustained community partners. The deadline to apply is Oct. 20.
Sustainability Student Leadership Symposium: Intersectional Environmentalism
The Sustainability Student Leadership Symposium, themed Intersectional Environmentalism: Bridging Perspectives for a Sustainable Future, happens on the opening day (Oct. 29) of AASHE 2023 on the Bentley University campus. As part of students’ registration, event organizers are offering a free transportation between the symposium and the AASHE conference. Through panels, workshops and keynote speeches, the event will explore the connections between social inequalities like race, gender, class and the environment.
C2C Fellows Sustainability Leadership Training
Undergraduate students and recent graduates are invited to attend the free C2C (Campus to Community) sustainability leadership training, offered through Bard College. Happening Dec. 2 virtually, the training is for sustainability changemakers.
AASHE Governance Call for Applications
AASHE seeks candidates to serve on its board of directors, STARS Steering Committee and Advisory Council that can lend their time, talent and expertise to advance all aspects of AASHE's mission. In particular, AASHE encourages applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and those with expertise in racial equity and social justice. Interested candidates should submit an application by Nov. 3.
Request for Input: Educating for Just Climate Action: Guidelines for Excellence
The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is seeking feedback on a new set of guidelines focused on climate change education and climate justice. These guidelines are being designed to serve a broad range of individuals and organizations as a tool for working with communities to find just climate solutions. Comments are due by Oct. 27.
Wege Prize 2024
Wege Prize, organized by Kendall College of Art and Design’s Wege Center for Sustainable Design, is an annual competition that challenges college and university students around the world to collaborate across institutional, disciplinary and cultural boundaries to redesign the way economies work. Team applications are due Oct. 8.
Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week
Bard College invites faculty, staff and students to organize a class or an event focused on climate and justice on campuses and in communities for the Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week, happening April 1 - 8, 2024. Teaching guides for discussion are available.
Climate Wayfinding Facilitator Workshops
The All We Can Save Project is hosting facilitator training workshops for its Climate Wayfinding program, a program that fosters space for individual and collective navigation amidst the climate crisis. Cohorts of faculty and staff will come together to experience Climate Wayfinding as participants, then receive training to facilitate it on their campus. The residential programs are happening in Georgia in late May 2024, New York's Hudson Valley in early June 2024, and in Kingston, Ontario, in mid-June 2024, for faculty and staff at Canadian institutions. The deadline to apply is Nov. 10.
2023-2024 Better Buildings Webinar Series
The U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings webinar series showcases the latest topics, technologies and trends to help organizations accelerate efforts to save money and reduce waste and carbon emissions.
Call for Papers: Libraries and Sustainable Development
The call for papers seeks abstracts that document and promote experiences from libraries and librarians on the action they are currently undertaking in order to promote sustainable development as a whole, and the SDGs in particular, within their organizations. Full papers are due Jan. 10, 2024, which will comprise a book titled Libraries and Sustainable Development: the Contribution of Libraries to Sustainability and the Implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The deadline to submit an abstract is Sept. 30.
Call for Proposals: COP 28 Greening Education Pavillon
The COP28 Greening Education Pavillon, hosted by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education in partnership with Greening Education Partnership with its secretariat at UNESCO, seeks proposals on climate change education. The open call for proposals on greening schools, curriculum, and teacher training and education systems’ capacities is open now through Sept. 8.
Call for Proposals: WOHESC 2024
Organizers of the 2024 Washington Oregon Cascadia Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC) encourage conference sessions proposals through Oct. 13. Providing an opportunity for collective direction and solidarity in higher education in the Washington-Oregon region, the conference theme is Learning From Place: Solutions Beyond Boundaries.
2023 GameDay Football Challenge
The GameDay Football Challenge supports campuses to reduce the waste footprint of their home games and tailgating events by reducing single-use plastics, food waste recovery, use of reusable products, recycling and more. Participating institutions will track and report their recycling, food organics and trash for one home football game. The challenge is hosted by the National Wildlife Federation and the Campus Race to Zero Waste. The last day to register is Nov. 13.
Drawdown Ecochallenge
Drawdown Ecochallenge is a customizable and solutions-oriented engagement program in the month of October that focuses on reducing carbon in the atmosphere. Participants choose actions, complete those actions, and track and share their progress. Ecochallenge is offered in partnership by Ecochallenge.org and Project Drawdown.
Under-Resourced Institutions Energy Research Grant Info Sessions
Researchers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, community colleges, Tribal colleges or universities, or Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions are invited to participate in a Second Nature listening session aimed at identifying barriers to applying for federal funding for energy research. Second Nature will select and fund a cohort of 12 research fellows and teams from those listening sessions. Cohort participants will receive funding of up to $10,000 each from the Energy Research Expansion Fund to facilitate their work. The listening sessions are Sept. 6 and 14 from 11:00 a.m. to noon Eastern.
Rethinking Econ101
This free course is for students in the U.S. to understand the economy and reimagine it for the benefit of people and the planet. It aims to offer a critical, pluralist and interdisciplinary introduction to the discipline of economics and to the U.S. economic system. It is a 10-session online course starting in the second week of September and will take place each week on Zoom for 90 minutes. The deadline to register is Sept. 10.
