2026 July: Sustainability at Mt. SAC
July 28, 2026 - 02:00 PM
Sustainability at Mt. SAC
The three pillars of sustainability are PEOPLE, PLANET, and PROSPERITY.
It’s A Social Activism Kind Of Summer!
Mounties! Summer hiatus is coming to a close and if you are looking for opportunities to sneak in some fun, social and meaningful climate activism, we have got some great opportunities for you! We hope that you are all enjoying this well deserved break. This month we share several community events and activities that provide you each with an opportunity to get involved in sustainability and climate change action. These events range from conventions, panel discussions, beach cleanups and so much more for both staff and students looking to incorporate sustainability in their lives and professions!
For Faculty
OC Green Building and Sustainability Mixer - La Colmena Santa Ana, CA
Join the USGBC-CA Orange County Regional Leadership Advisory Board and the Emerging
Professionals Committee for an evening of networking, education and leadership. Students,
new and experienced practitioners are all welcome! This free event offers a welcoming
space to build relationships, gain career insights, and engage with emerging Professionals
and sustainability leaders for career insights, networking, and a lively mixer with
food, drinks, and Q&A.
Thursday, September 3rd from 5 PM - 8 PM.
Visit the event page for more information!
Event Page: OC Green Building and Sustainability Mixer
USGBC-CA CARBON FORWARD SUMMIT
2026 Theme: Building Towards the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games
As California prepares to host the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games, it gives the region
a rare chance to show how major investment in buildings and infrastructure can drive
lasting change.Carbon Forward is California's annual event for advancing lower-carbon
materials and sustainable construction, convening architects, engineers, developers,
manufacturers, policymakers, and building owners to move innovation into standard
practice.
Expect sessions on lower-carbon concrete, steel, mass timber, and other materials, procurement strategies, circular construction, and policy developments, alongside real-world case studies.
September 17, 2026 | 10am - 5pm | La Kretz Innovation Campus (LKIC) | Los Angeles, CA
Tickets on sale on the USGBC website, link below!
Tickets for Building Towards the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games
For Students
Project Save Our Surf Beach Clean Up
Looking for an opportunity to get involved in your local community? Invite family and friends to come roll up your sleeves and join Project Save Our Surf for a fun afternoon of music and refreshments cleaning the beach. Buckets and gloves will also be provided for the cleanup. Connect with others in Los Angeles working to support our environment.
Date: Saturday, August 22
Time: 11 AM - 1 PM
Location: Santa Monica Beach Tower 26, Santa Monica, CA
*Registration is required.
*Please visit the event’s Webpage for more details and registration!
Registration for Project Save Our Surf Beach Clean Up
Clean N Green Fest 2026 -- FREE FOOD! ENTERTAINMENT! STEM EXHIBITS!
Join the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts for their Clean N Green Fest! This is a free, family-friendly celebration of sustainability and community! Hosted by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts through their nonprofit, the Clean Water Works Education Foundation, and the City of Carson, this exciting event will feature:
💧 Environmental Exhibits & STEM Activities
🐠 Mobile Aquarium, Mosquito Mobile Unit
🚛 Touch-a-Truck & Facility Tours
🎨 Kids’ Zone & Live Entertainment
🎁 Giveaways, Food, and More!
Come learn how we turn waste into resources while enjoying hands-on fun for all ages.
Bring your family, friends, and curiosity — let’s celebrate a cleaner, greener future together! Visit the Clean Water Works website for more details!
Date: Saturday, August 1
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: A. K. Warren Water Resource Facility, Carson, CA
Clean Water Works - Clean N Green - Event page
August Nothin’ But Sand Beach Clean Up
Join Heal the Bay for a beach clean-up! Help remove trash and debris before it washes out to the ocean. This volunteer event is perfect for all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned environmental advocate, you’ll make a measurable impact in just a few hours.
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM 12:00 PM
Location: Venice Beach – South side of the Pier,
3011 Ocean Front Walk, Los Angeles, CA
For more details on what to expect, what to bring, registration and donations visit the Heal The Bay website!
Registration: August Nothin’ But Sand Beach Clean Up
Coastal Cleanup Day at Dockweiler Beach
Join the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and Heal the Bay for Coastal Cleanup Day at Dockweiler Beach! Help protect our coastline while making a positive impact on the environment during this fun, family-friendly volunteer event. In addition to the beach cleanup, enjoy interactive activities designed to inspire environmental stewardship! Please visit their event page for more details and for the waiver form required of all volunteers!
Date: Saturday, September 19th
Time: 9 AM - 12 PM
Location: Dockweiler Youth Center (DYC) 12505 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Event Info - Coastal Cleanup Day at Dockweiler Beach
Sustainability Spotlight
Student Sustainability Awards Contest
The Mt. SAC Student Sustainability Awards Contest application due date has been extended!
This contest encourages students from all disciplines to develop solutions that promote
sustainability.The top 5 submissions are eligible for awards of up to $500. Individuals,
groups, and student clubs may enter. Submissions should address environmental challenges,
social equity, or economic viability—whether on campus or in the broader society—by
fostering innovative approaches to a more sustainable future. Visit the Mt. SAC Sustainability
Awards Contest webpage for submission instructions and details. The new submission
deadline is February 1st, 2027. Applicants can expect to receive results of the contest
in March 2027.
Sustainability Living
2026-27 California Climate Action Corps Fellowship
The California Climate Action Corps Fellowship is a national service program led by California Volunteers and implemented by Bay Area Community Resources dedicated to advancing climate actions that engage community members, cultivate change, and leave a lasting impact. Fellowship placements range from working in multiple specialties and with local organizations to mobilize communities through climate volunteer engagement, climate action and education service projects focused on urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency. Benefits include:
- Up to $35,250 Living Allowance (before taxes) spread evenly over 11 months.
- Combined $10,000 Segal Education Award and California for All Education Award (upon completion of service term).
- Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and payment of interest accrued during service.
- Childcare assistance for qualifying Fellows, paid to an eligible provider of their
choice.
SNAP (Food Stamps) – for those eligible. - Professional development benefit of up to $300 for aligned training or conferences.
Applications are open up until July 31st, 2026.
The fellowship runs from September 21st, 2026 - August 13th, 2027.
Find out more on CCAC Website, link below!
California Climate Action Corps
Sustainability Campus Tours
If you are interested in signing up for our new sustainability campus tours, please reach out to Lauren Greenberg directly.
