Yardi Scholars for Environmental Justice will be welcoming applications from California high school seniors who applied to UC Santa Barbara for Fall 2027 admission and demonstrate an interest in environmental justice and addressing environmental challenges.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applying to UC Santa Barbara as an incoming freshman
- Demonstrate an interest in environmental justice and changemaking
- Must be a resident in the state of California or eligible for AB 540, as defined in the UC application
- Students who are first-generation to college (neither parent received a four-year degree)
Application for the 2027-2028 school year
The application for the 2027-2028 school year is now open.
October 12, 2026: Yardi Scholars EJ application opens on the website
February 20, 2027 at 11:59 PM: Application Closes
Mid-March 2027: UCSB Admissions decisions released
Late March- Early April 2027: Yarsi EJ Application review; selected UCSB-admitted students will be invited for a Zoom interview.
Mid-April 2027: Yardi Scholars EJ acceptance notifications
May 1, 2027: Freshman deadline to accept UC Santa Barbara offer of admission (SIR)
To be considered, ensure you have:
- Applied to UC Santa Barbara as an incoming freshman
- Completed all sections of the online application form:
- Applicant information
- Written responses to one short prompt
- Video response to one prompt
- Upload unofficial high school transcripts
- Completed or be in the process of completing the 2027-2028 FAFSA/CA Dream Act application
Only complete applications will be considered.
Yardi Scholars are required to meet certain requirements throughout their undergraduate studies in order to remain in good standing with the program and be eligible for additional funding.
- Enroll in Yardi EJ-designated courses:
- First Year: First-Year Seminar (Fall)
- Third Year: Team Project Practicum (Fall, Winter, Spring)
- Fourth Year: Senior Seminar on Changemaking for Just Sustainability (Winter)
- In year two, join a campus environmental organization to support sustainability or advocacy projects.
- In year four, pursue an environmental solution specialization through a research project, internship, or other mentored experience.
- Regularly attend Yardi EJ on- and off-campus retreats, events, and workshops.
- Maintain communication with program leadership and mentors.
- Remain in good academic and financial standing.
Watch our Virtual Information Session.
Learn more about the Yardi EJ Program and hear from current Yardi EJ Scholars.
To Apply:
Step One:
Submit your UC Santa Barbara application to UC Santa Barbara by December 2, 2026.
Step Two:
Complete your Yardi Scholars for Environmental Justice Application. The application opens October 12, 2026 and closes February 20, 2027.
The application form asks applicants to provide:
- Information about yourself
- Written responses to one short prompt (200 words):
Name two goals you want to accomplish during your time at UCSB: one that stretches you academically or professionally and one that's more personal. For each goal, go beyond describing what you want to achieve and tell us how you'll get there. How do you think being part of the Yardi EJ program will help you achieve your goals?
We're not looking for the obvious answer. Do not just include what is listed on the Yardi EJ website. Instead, think specifically about which parts of the Yardi experience could move you toward each goal.
3. A short video response (1-2 minutes)
Video response prompt:
Environmental and sustainability issues encompass so many things, including climate change, clean air and water, food access, housing, public health, energy, transportation, waste, access to green and outdoor spaces, and how communities prepare for and recover from disasters.
We want to hear your story - what environmental or sustainability issue matters most to you, and why? What sparked your interest, and what does “changemaking” mean to you when it comes to this issue?
4. Unofficial high school transcripts
Only complete applications will be considered.
Step Three:
After UCSB admission decisions are released in mid-March 2027, Yardi EJ applications from admitted students will undergo holistic review.
Step Four:
Between late March and early April, selected applicants will receive email invitations with instructions to schedule phone interviews. Final decisions will be announced by mid-April via email. Those selected and who accept a position in the Yardi EJ program will receive further instructions on next steps.
Recorded Information Sessions:
January 29, 2025