Student Initiatives

Across campus, there are many student-led initiatives to build a culture of sustainability on UMBC’s campus. Find out more about what our students are doing below.

Are you passionate about sustainability and want to leave a positive impact at UMBC? If you said yes, then look no further because the Eco-Ambassador (EA) program was designed for students just like you!

The Eco-Ambassadors are a core group of sustainability peer educators. As a peer educator, you will play a vital role in the promotion of sustainable living at UMBC. Peer education embraces the idea that members of the community, rather than outside experts, are in the best position to encourage choices for sustainable living.

As an Eco-Ambassador you will have the freedom to work alongside the EA team on a project of your choosing. Previous campaigns have included compost systems, campus ecosystem conservation, environmental justice and more! In addition, Eco-Ambassadors will be responsible for planning sustainability-themed events for Campus Sustainability Month & Earth Day. The program is created not only to make UMBC more sustainable but also to help students gain skills and professional experience. Check out the annual reports below to see what past cohorts have worked to complete.

The program is open to undergraduates who will be in their sophomore through senior year. Eco-Ambassadors receive a stipend each semester for their work and will need to be available on Mondays during free hour (12-1 PM) for our bi-weekly meetings. Reach out to sustainability@umbc.edu with any additional questions!

Read more about the initiatives and events coordinated by Eco-Ambassadors in previous years:

Explore the 2025-2026 Report Here:

Explore the 2024-2025 Report Here

Explore the 2023-2024 Report Here:

Explore the 2022-2023 Report Here:

Explore the 2021-2022 Report Here:

Learn how to engage your student group in sustainability efforts with this 10 minute training for student leaders. 

Become a Certified Green Retriever Group

Purpose: Similar to The Office of Sustainability’s Green Office Program for staff/faculty, student groups (clubs, athletic teams, and Greek life chapters) can now apply to be a certified green group. The goal is to recognize and reward sustainability leadership, and encourage sustainable behavior change.

Incentive/Reward: Invite to end of year celebration, graduation cords for exec/board members, Regular marketing support from OoS, OoS Website Feature, Branding for tables, Campus recognition, partnership/ opportunities for collaboration, newsletter features

How to Become Certified: Use  this google form to apply!

Check at least 8 boxes to become certified, check 10+ to become GOLD certified. Attach photo or written evidence to your submission for checked action items where possible.

Want to join a group that values sustainability? Check out the Certified Green Retriever Groups listed below:

Environmental Task Force

Engineers Without Borders

Hearts for the Homeless

Association of Black Artists

UMBC Hillel

Apply with this google form  , and email sustainability@umbc.edu with any questions.

SGA Prove It Grant

Do you have an idea that would improve or inspire change on campus? UMBC SGA wants to give you $10,000 to support the implementation of your idea for the academic year, and make it a reality! Create a project, service, or event that adds value, strengthens and/or inspires pride. Read more here!

Example Idea Themes To Get You Started:

  1. Products or Services
  2. Social or “Green” Concerns
  3. Campus Innovations

Breaking Ground Grant

Do you have an idea for a project, program, or initiative to help UMBC community members (including students) engage in social change? Need some funding to make it real?

The BreakingGround initiative provides grants of up to $2,500 to UMBC student organizations, students, faculty, and staff who want to launch or strengthen educational and community-building projects. These projects should, as a part of their work, foster civic agency: the ability to initiate and make meaningful contributions to social change.

Funding can be used flexibly. Past awardees have supported:

  • Experiential learning opportunities that immerse students in real-world problem solving.
  • Convenings and gatherings to address campus and community issues.
  • Campus change projects intended to create lasting infrastructure and impact.
  • Connections with social changemakers and local communities.

You can explore examples of previous projects on the BreakingGround website (URL below).

How to apply: Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, and applicants are notified within four weeks. Visit the BreakingGround website for details: https://civiclife.umbc.edu/breakingground/