CSUN's SDG Fellows Program

CSUN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fellowship Program 

UN SDG's

Program Overview

The CSUN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fellowship Program is a campus-wide professional and academic development opportunity designed to deepen sustainability literacy and engagement across the university. Through a partnership with Second Nature, the program uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a unifying framework to support climate action, social responsibility, and interdisciplinary learning at CSUN.

The fellowship equips participants with practical knowledge, global perspective, and applied skills to address complex environmental and social challenges. By bringing together students, staff, and faculty, the program fosters cross-campus collaboration and builds long-term capacity for sustainability leadership within the CSUN community.

Funding for the inaugural cohort is provided by Second Nature, allowing CSUN to offer this opportunity at no cost to selected fellows.

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What Fellows Do

Fellows complete an online SDG Academy micro-certification aligned with their academic, professional, or personal sustainability interests. In addition to coursework, fellows participate in a structured cohort experience that includes:

  • A mandatory kickoff meeting to introduce program goals, expectations, and fellow participants

  • Ongoing support with course enrollment and progress

  • A midpoint check-in to share insights, troubleshoot challenges, and stay on track

  • A final close-out meeting where fellows reflect on their learning and present key takeaways

Together, these components ensure fellows are supported throughout the program while contributing to a shared learning community.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship is open to members of the CSUN community across all disciplines and divisions, including:

  • Undergraduate students

  • Graduate students

  • Staff (supervisor approval may be required)

  • Faculty

Applicants do not need prior expertise in sustainability, but should demonstrate interest, motivation, and commitment to completing the program.

SDG Academy Micro-Certifications

Fellows select one SDG Academy micro-certification to complete during the program. Example options include:

Additional details on course content and expectations are provided after selection.

How Fellows Are Selected

Fellows are chosen through an online application process reviewed by a cross-campus evaluation team. Applications are scored using a standardized rubric that considers:

  • Motivation and purpose

  • Relevance to the applicant’s role or studies

  • Potential impact on campus or community

  • Preparedness and feasibility

  • Commitment to learning and growth

  • Equity and access considerations (optional)

Approximately 20 fellows are selected for each annual cohort.

Program Timeline (Approximate)

  • Application period opens (dates posted each cycle)

  • Selection and notification after the application deadline

  • Kickoff meeting (mandatory; virtual or in-person)

  • Course enrollment and coursework begins

  • Midpoint check-in (about 2–3 months into the program)

  • Close-out meeting and fellow presentations (around month 6)

  • Final evaluation survey

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