CEC’s Climate Stewards Course Details

Course Requirements

Time Commitment
Each Climate Stewards course consists of a minimum of 40 educational  hours (online, classroom, and field time), which includes a minimum of 12 hours in the field.

Required Reading and Online Work

• Climate Stewardship: Collective Action Across California by Brendan Buhler and Adina Merenlender (must be purchased by participant)

• Climate Stewards Handbook

• Completion of six (6) online course modules

• Completion of assigned homework

This course will be taught using a combination of online sessions via Zoom, in-person sessions, and the Canvas platform. Participants will need access to the internet to listen to lectures and read course material.

Course structure: This course will be taught with a combination of online self-guided modules, in-person sessions, and the Canvas platform. All participants will need access to the internet to listen to lectures and read course material. 

Class Attendance and Field Trips
Participants must attend all classes, with the opportunity to make up missed activities from one class session.  The participant is expected to complete make-up activities on their own time at the direction of the instructor. Participants are required to attend at least 2 field trips.

Stewardship Project Topics
Participants are required to complete a Stewardship Project in one of six areas: Community Resilience and Adaptation, Environmental and Climate Justice,  Conservation/Restoration (Stewardship), Participatory Science, Education/Interpretation, or  Program Support. 

Stewardship Project Details
The Stewardship Project provides an opportunity for participants to integrate their own personal interests with the in-class material toward the development of an applied work project done in conjunction with a community organization. Participants must receive pre-approval for Stewardship Projects within the first four weeks of the course. Participants are encouraged to work in teams when appropriate. Participants will deliver an individual or group presentation (5 minutes per person) during the final course session. Participants are expected to spend a minimum of 8 hours on the Stewardship Project and will add hours spent on the Stewardship Project into the volunteer portal. 

Course Evaluation
Completion of the online post-course evaluation survey is critical for the ongoing success and improvement of the course. You will be provided with a link to the evaluation survey toward the end of the course.

Volunteering and Volunteer Portal (VMS)
Participants will be provided with an online account to track their volunteer hours, including hours spent on their stewardship project. Tracking volunteer hours is an essential way to prove the need and impact of the Climate Stewards Initiative.

Course Policies

Expenses

Participants are responsible for course fees, required books, transportation to and from field trips, and costs associated with travel.

Homework

Homework assignments will be due prior to the next scheduled class session.

Attendance

Participants must complete [minimum of 40+] hours of instruction during the class. Only one class session (2 hours) can be missed and participants can request a make-up session or assignment from their instructor.  Two in-person field trips are required.

Cancellations and Refunds

Participants may withdraw from the course with a full refund (minus a $50 administrative fee) if they cancel their enrollment at least two weeks in advance of the first day of class. Participants that can successfully refer another student to replace their spot in the course prior to the first day of class will receive a full refund. Registrants that experience a verifiable medical emergency personally, or in their family, between the two weeks of class before and after instruction has begun may re-enroll in the following year’s course at a 50% discounted rate, with priority for early registration. No other cancellations, for any other reason, will result in a refund.