Frequently Asked Questions

When is the course offered?

Currently the course is offered in a series of nine Wednesday evenings, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., via Zoom, with in person field trips. 

How much does the course cost and what does it cover?

The course fee is $300 and covers the cost of instructor time for classes and field trips, as well as UCANR course fees.

Do you offer financial aid?

There are a limited number or full and partial scholarships. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Do I need to live on the California Central Coast to enroll in the Community Environmental Council’s program?

You must be a California resident to apply. CEC’s Climate Stewards program is aimed at informing, uniting, and activating a broad range of California Central Coast residents to be stewards of climate action so that together, we can move at the unprecedented pace required to reverse, repair, and protect against climate threats. As such, preference is given to Central Coast residents. If you do not live in this part of California, you are welcome to apply, and if there is room we will consider your application. If there is a program closer to you, we will be happy to refer you there. 

How much time should I plan for coursework and assignments?

The course is equivalent to a four-unit University of California level class. The general expectation is that it will take about 40 hours to complete all requirements over the course of eight weeks.

What happens if I need to miss a field trip or other meeting date?

All participants are allowed to miss one class session and remain eligible for certification.

What field trips are a part of the course?

Field trips occur in person and typically take place on Saturdays early in the day. There are usually three-to-four field trips per cohort, mostly centered in Santa Barbara County. Field trips range from visits to local landfills, to beach clean-ups, to tours of conservation sites.

Is this course good for someone who works for a corporation or who runs a small business?

Yes, this course is good for anyone who is looking to make an impact on climate change, no matter your profession. Past participants include small business owners, who used the course Capstone to research and apply for B Corp status, as well as a consultant who helped a business implement sustainable practices, create workplace  environmental committees, and add climate messaging to company communications.

If I’m a parent, will I still have time to do this course?

Yes, we offer the class sessions on Zoom on Wednesday evenings with the intention of making the class as accessible as possible. 

Is this something I could do with my children/grandchildren? 

At this time the class is only for those who are 18 years of age or older

For more information, please see:

Community Environmental Council Climate Stewards Program www.cecsb.org/climate-stewards
University of California Climate Stewards Program https://calnat.ucanr.edu/cs/