Agroecology & Food Systems
Funding Opportunities
Enrolled UC Santa Cruz students are encouraged to apply for the following opportunities to receive funding for undertaking projects that advance a more sustainable, equitable campus food system or participate in agroecology internships, technical training, career coaching, and research opportunities.
NextGen Program
The UCSC NextGen program uplifts the next generation of agroecology professionals through internships, technical training, career coaching, and research opportunities. The program is funded by the US Department of Agriculture and aims to engage, train, and support students to become food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences professionals.
Measure 43 funding
Measure 43 is UC Santa Cruz’s sustainable food, health, and wellness initiative. Measure 43 funding ensures that all undergraduate students have access to education and programs that enhance their understanding of the food system and their food choices. Measure 43-supported programs and grants increase opportunities for classes, workshops, field trips, hands-on gardening experiences, research, and other campus activities related to food systems.
Current UC Santa Cruz students can apply for Measure 43 funding to support campus projects relating to food systems education and outreach events/programs, campus garden efforts, and food system undergraduate research. Applications open at the beginning of March each year.
Bonnie Reiss Climate Action Sustainable Food Fellowship
The Bonnie Reiss Climate Action Sustainable Food Fellowship, formerly known as the Global Food Initiative Fellowship, seeks to uplift campus sustainable food systems efforts. Sustainable Food Systems Fellows help University of California campuses and health systems define the actions and resources needed to procure at least 25% of UC’s food supplies from sustainable sources by 2025.
This $4,000, year-long fellowship supports the contributions of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to work with campus staff and academic advisors on core objective areas related to sustainable food systems, food access & security, and social equity.