SERC Student Initiatives

SERC Members holding the SERC banner

About

SERC Student Initiatives program (formerly known as SERC Membership) was piloted in Fall 2016, with the goal of providing individual students the opportunity to help build a collaborative, inclusive student community around sustainability. We aim to preserve institutional memory around environmental projects, build a more cohesive community, and get new students plugged into existing events. Participants have access to various benefits, including structured volunteer opportunities, project and event management experience, leadership development, and social events. Participants join different committees led by SERC staff members based on their skills and interests. The SERC Student Initiatives program is an opportunity to work with other like-minded individuals to research & compile resources, get hands-on experience with project management, and plan events for the environmental community. The program has grown exponentially in recent years and we are so excited to continue to offer this program.

Are you interested in getting involved with the environmental community at UC Berkeley? Join SERC through our Student Initiatives program and work on projects ranging from environmental justice education to zero waste advocacy with a team of passionate, like-minded individuals! Get experience and build community with SERC student staff led-teams. This year we will be hosting the following teams below. You can learn more about the teams here. 

  • 3D Printer Filament Reclamation
  • Decolonial Environmental Hub 
  • Environmental Justice Education 
  • Environmentalists of Color Events & Programs
  • Green Team Zero Waste Initiatives
  • Professional Development 
  • Vermicomposting
  • SERQueer Student Team
  • Professional Development

Applicationsfor Fall are now closed! Spring applications will open early 2026. 

Have questions about SERC's Student Initiatives program? Check out our Info session from Spring ’22 to learn more about the program.

Info Session:

https://youtu.be/V8PiffQCGc8 

SERC's Previous Projects

FAQ

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Do I have to be a freshman to join?

No, the SERC Membership Program is open to all UC Berkeley students!

How do I join?

The SERC Membership Program recruits within the first month of every academic semester.

What is the time commitment for the SERC Membership Program?

While it varies by team, the SERC members can expect to attend weekly hour-long meetings in addition with approximately 1-2 hours of additional sustainability-focused work outside of meetings.