How Does the Yardi EJ Program Work?
The Yardi Scholars for Environmental Justice Program stands on four pillars:
Pillar One: Change Making Coursework & Experiential Learning
Contributing to environmental change takes thinking from many perspectives. As you take standard UCSB courses that fulfill your major requirements, you’ll also engage in special courses available only to Yardi Scholars that can help you connect your learning to environmental changemaking.
In the fall of year one, you enroll in the Yardi First Year Seminar (4 units; fulfills general education requirements). There, you’ll meet your fellow Yardi Scholars. The seminar focuses on a sustainability challenge and how different experts envision addressing the problems. You develop your vision and identity as an environmental change maker, while learning about theories of change and approaches that UCSB faculty have taken in their own changemaking journeys.
In year two, you’ll join a campus environmental organization of your choice to work on a sustainability initiative or community environmental advocacy project.
In year three, you participate in the Team Project Practicum (6 units total, 2 units/quarter; fulfills elective requirements), an experience where you work in a small team and apply your environmental problem-solving skills to an environmental justice project for a real world client.
Finally, in year four, the Senior Seminar on Changemaking for Just Sustainability (2 units, fulfills elective requirements) connects you directly with environmental leaders in the field, helping to explore career pathways and trajectories as environmental changemakers.
Pillar Two: A Comprehensive Support System
As part of the Yardi Scholars EJ community, you will always have full wraparound support throughout your four years at UC Santa Barbara.
The Executive Director serves as your primary point of contact who provides guidance and connects you to program resources. From day one, you’ll be paired with a peer mentor to help you navigate your UCSB experience and build connections with fellow Yardi Scholars across cohorts. Over time, your support team will grow to include UCSB faculty, environmental professionals, research advisors, and internship sponsors. You'll also have access to extensive campus resources and services to guide you every step of the way.
Pillar Three: An Immersive Learning Community
As a Yardi Scholar, you’ll join a cohort of 20 peers and become part of a growing community of Yardi EJ Scholars. You'll engage with scholars from other cohorts through shared academic, professional, and experiential opportunities that foster collaboration and mutual support.
Through regular program activities, such as annual field retreats, monthly social events, and other shared experiences, you'll build a network of peers, faculty mentors, environmental professionals, and community partners to support your growth as an environmental changemaker.
Pillar Four: Comprehensive Financial Support
As a Yardi Scholar, you receive a four-year scholarship, in addition to other sources of financial aid, that helps cover the full cost of attending UCSB—including tuition, campus fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other personal expenses—creating a pathway to earning your degree debt-free. You're also eligible for additional funding to support a range of enrichment experiences, including undergraduate research projects, internships, UCSB Capital Internship Program, study abroad, and other mentored experiences.
To maintain your Yardi scholarship, you must file a FAFSA or California Dream Act application each academic year; submit required documentation to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships on time; and remain in good academic standing. Eligibility for additional funding requires active participation in Yardi EJ courses and program activities. See Program Requirements for more information.
