Step into Climate Leadership.

CEC’s next Climate Stewards course starts on Tuesday, September 9 — register now!

With environmental protections under threat and the impacts of climate change accelerating, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Transform concern for our planet into meaningful local action through our Climate Stewards course.

Through the program, you’ll join a cohort of motivated climate advocates, explore local solutions through lessons and field trips, and design a personal Stewardship Project that makes a real difference in your community.

The climate crisis demands bold, informed action and engaged activists ready to lead. Whether you’re a high school or college student, recent graduate, business owner, nonprofit professional, or retiree, Climate Stewards provides the tools, knowledge, and support to help you make an impact.

Ready to take the lead on local climate action?

Join our next Climate Stewards cohort that begins September 9, 2025.

Know someone who’d be interested in joining you?
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Anyone can be a Climate Steward!

Phil Clarke, a recent Climate Stewards graduate, is bringing the knowledge and resources he gained from the course to the Valle Verde retirement community, where he and his wife Lora now live. Lifelong environmental advocates, the Clarkes began their activism journey in the 1970s, protesting nuclear power and organizing with the Sierra Club. Now retired in Santa Barbara, the couple sees environmental advocacy as a shared responsibility, not one that rests solely on the shoulders of younger generations.

Through the Climate Stewards course, Phil found tools and inspiration to engage his neighbors and spark tangible change in their community. They collected plastic to be reused for furniture and decking, introduced green-waste containers, and installed a new EV charging station on the Valle Verde campus — proving that it’s never too late (or too early) to take meaningful climate action. Read more.

Course Details

Next Cohort: Fall 2025, September 9 – October 28

Format: Online classes via Zoom + in-person field trips

Frequency: Classes on Tuesdays: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. PST; three to four field trips on weekends: two hours plus travel time

Cost: $350; A limited number of scholarships are available for those who express financial need. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to register, including those from underrepresented groups.

Instructor: Kathi King

Teaching Assistant: Ali Hanson

Now accepting high school students!

Did you know high school students are now eligible to take the Climate Stewards course? We’re thrilled to offer students in grades 9–12 the chance to join this growing network of environmental advocates. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community projects, students will gain the skills and confidence to become leaders in the climate movement.

Can’t commit to the full course? Save the date for our next Youth Climate Workshop on November 8, 2025. It’s a one-day event packed with inspiration, collaboration, and climate solutions. Details coming soon!

Other Opportunities

Agriculture professionals, experts, and organizations: CCAL can serve as a resource to receive direct referrals from local producers, expand outreach to new landowners, and collaborate through shared events and technical assistance.

Learn more about CCAL and sign up here

Read about CCAL success stories in the Santa Barbara Independent

Upcoming Events

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Friday, August 1, 2025 (AND every first Friday in 2025)

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month. At these events, climate activists, students, community partners, and friends gather to learn about regional climate change issues and how to take collective action to protect our planet. August’s gathering will focus on extreme heat and how we can work to address its impacts. Hear from CEC’s Em Johnson, Jen Hernandez from Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and more. Learn more and register.

Application Assistance: Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP)

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Virtual (join from anywhere!)

If you want to purchase or lease a new or used battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell vehicle, now is the time to take advantage of incentives offered through the California Drive Clean Assistance Program. Join us for this in-person event and meet with one of our expert team members who will guide you through the application process. Don’t wait, this funding won’t last! Fill out this form to see if you qualify and secure your spot.

TGIF! Happy Hour

Friday, September 12, 2025

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

EDC Courtyard

906 Garden St., Santa Barbara

Join us at the Environmental Defense Center’s September TGIF! happy hour to meet and mingle with environmentally minded community members. Enjoy live music, food and drinks, and engage with local non-profit and environmental organizations, elected officials, and climate leaders from throughout the South Central Coast. CEC is a partner on this event. Learn more and register.

Santa Barbara SUNDay Celebration

Sunday, September 21, 2025

1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Santa Barbara Public Library

40 East Anapamu St., Santa Barbara

Join us for a local celebration of clean energy progress as part of the national SUNDay of action, led by Third Act. This free, festival-style event will feature speakers, kids’ activities, community booths, and resources to help electrify your home or business. Come take part in building a sun-powered future for Santa Barbara County and beyond! Hosted by CEC, Sierra Club Santa Barbara/Ventura, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers, Clean Coalition, the City of Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability & Resilience Department, and the Santa Barbara Public Library. Learn more and register. 

Support Critical Work Like This

Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and a City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero, CEC is led by CEO Sigrid Wright, 2022 Congressional Woman of the Year. See our most recent impact report to learn how we are serving California’s Central Coast by advancing rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

Learn more about how you can invest in CEC’s work to accelerate regional climate solutions at cecsb.org/donate.