SES is proud to announce the Student Sustainability Innovation Fund.This new annual initiative – delivered in partnership with SGA Sustainability and core operational partners – is designed to turn your leadership into immediate action through short term, high impact projects. SES serves as your hub, connecting you with the faculty, partners, and resources needed to move beyond identifying problems and start building solutions. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 27 |
Targeted Areas of Innovation
We are prioritizing solutions focused projects that address immediate challenges. Your project should address at least one of the following key areas of concern:
- Climate Action, Energy, and Transit: Advancing decarbonization, energy storage, and the transition off of fossil fuels. This includes innovations in low carbon mobility, EV infrastructure, and campus transit solutions.
- Regenerative Food and Land Systems: Innovations in dining, permaculture, and the stewardship of our soils, waters, and sustainable stormwater infrastructure.
- Circular Economy and Zero Waste: Rethinking purchasing, apparel, and waste reduction.
- Arts and Community Engagement: Advancing the Okanagan Charter through creativity, community health, and equity.
Why Apply?
- Financial Support: Receive up to $5,000 as an individual or $7,500 as a team. This includes funding to pay yourself for 10 hours a week this summer to handle logistics.
- Academic Integration: Transition your summer work into the fall semester for curricular credit.
Funding Tiers
We anticipate funding approximately 8 projects across three levels:
- Catalyst Projects (Up to $2,000): Ideal for individuals launching small-scale pilots or "proof of concept" trials.
- Innovation Projects ($2,001 to $5,000): For individuals or pairs implementing established ideas with clear campus or community impact.
- Leadership Teams ($5,001 to $7,500): Reserved for teams of three or more students managing complex, systems-level initiatives.
Summer Operational Funding
Students may allocate a portion of their grant to cover summer operational hours. This allows you to focus on logistics, procurement, and planning before the fall semester begins.
- Maximum Hours: 10 hours per week for 12 weeks.
- Rate: $15.00 per hour.
- Total Individual Cap: $1,800 for the summer session.
Academic Year and Credit
This fund acts as a bridge to your academic goals. While summer work is paid hourly, engagement during the fall semester is supported through curricular credit. This ensures your leadership is recognized both financially and academically.
Project Timeline and Reporting
To support your success, project funding becomes available in early May to allow for summer and fall implementation planning.
- Mid Project Report: Due at the halfway point in the project, but no later than the end of the Fall 2026 semester (6 month mark).
- Final Project Report: Due no later than the end of the Spring 2027 semester (1 year mark).
- Extensions: Funds remain available through the following academic year. If a project requires more than 12 months, students may submit an extension request.
Showcase Your Impact
All funded projects will be invited to present their work at one of our campus-wide SES showcases, where we celebrate the next generation of leaders driving the university forward.
Application Deadline: Friday, March 27
APPLY NOW
UMass Amherst: Your Living Laboratory
Our campus operations, grounds, and lands serve as a living laboratory for discovery and training. Whether you are looking at the heart of campus, our fields and wildlife habitats, the Arthur F. Kinney Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies, or research assets like the Gloucester Marine Station, these spaces are your testing beds for innovation.
While developing your project plan, be sure to consider all of the specialized resources at our fingertips via UMass. Use the following links to learn more.
Questions and Support
Matt L'EcuyerSGA Sustainability Secretary Email: @email |