A large rock formation with a natural arch in the ocean, with waves in the foreground and seagulls flying around.

Education for Sustainable Living Program

An illustration of the Earth divided into four parts, with a yellow banner across the middle that reads 'ESIP'. The top left section represents the environment with green land and blue water, while the top right shows a barren landscape with cracked earth and dead trees. The bottom left features green land and water, and the bottom right depicts a brain with branching patterns, symbolizing knowledge and climate. The words 'Planting the Seed of Knowledge' circle the illustration.
A group of nine young adults standing on outdoor stairs, smiling, with trees and a building in the background under a clear blue sky.

Our Mission

The Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP) is a student-led organization committed to empowering students to take action in the climate crisis. Our program creates collaborative learning environments through UCSC-accredited courses for students of all backgrounds to learn the skills needed to transition toward a society that prioritizes the planet and its people.

The importance of Student-initiated programs

ESLP works to foster intentional learning between students while creating a culture of taking action. 

We offer a unique student-facilitated course for university credit:

CRSN 61: HOPE, AGENCY AND THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Our student-led, 2-unit course, offered every spring quarter at the University of California, Santa Cruz, delves into the climate crisis, sustainability, and environmental justice.

Students will explore pathways to active hope and agency amidst the evolving climate crisis. Through discussions, journal reflections, interactive workshops, and guest speakers, they will engage in collaborative learning centered on climate justice movements, emphasizing the intersectionality of race, gender, class, and other social factors.

By working together, students will deepen their understanding of climate justice and uncover practical strategies to address the climate crisis in their daily lives

Learn More About Our Speakers
People standing in a row at a presentation or event, holding signs with titles such as 'CEO / Owner' and 'Corporate Executive'. The setting appears to be indoors with a projector screen showing presentation slides in the background.
A group of diverse young people sitting around a large table in a brightly lit room with green walls, eating pizza and socializing. Some are engaged with their phones, while others are talking and smiling.
A group of seven people smiling and standing in front of a presentation screen that reads "Movement Building & Community Power." The group includes young adults and an older man with glasses, a hat, and a plaid blazer. The presentation appears to be at an indoor conference or seminar room.
Group of six students and a teacher standing in front of a presentation slide at an educational event about climate organizing with Lakota Harden.
DSC_1009.JPG
Three smiling women standing behind a desk in front of a classroom blackboard, with a large projected slide behind them. The slide features illustrations of people planting and caring for plants, with a message about climate change awareness.
Group of people at a booth with a banner that reads "Education for Sustainable Living Program" at an outdoor event, with white tents and attendees in the background.
IMG_0818 (1).JPG
Four young women sitting at a table with a banner that has a globe illustration and rocks on it. All are smiling at the camera.
Best4.JPG
DSC_1013.JPG
Two people standing in front of a large screen in a classroom or lecture hall, giving a presentation. The slide displayed on the screen features cartoon-style illustrations of people planting and watering plants, with a green background and text abou
IMG_0888 (2).JPG
Eight young women posing for a group photo outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and a house in the background.
Group of six women standing on a brick road outdoors, with trees and buildings in the background.
A presentation in a classroom with speakers and a large screen displaying the word 'MECA' and a diagram about campus sustainability and environmental education. Audience members are sitting and listening.
Six people behind a table at an outdoor event promoting sustainable living and environmental awareness, with a banner displaying the organization's name and logo, under two umbrellas.
Group photo of eight people standing in front of lecture hall blackboard and two projection screens showing a presentation titled 'Climate Emergency & Building Hope with Dr. Mustafa Ali'.
IMG_0842 (1).JPG

Our History

ESLP was first founded in 2003 as a project of the California Student Sustainability Coalition. We are guided by the Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus along with our sister organizations: Student Environmental Center and Campus Sustainability Council (2001). ESLP Receives Funding from the Campus Sustainability Council (CSC). CSC provides funding to registered UCSC student organizations for programs and events that create, implement, and monitor environmentally sound practices on campus as established through the protocol outlined in the Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus.