Celebrating our dynamic journey over the past five years, the Institute for Social Transformation stands as a critical intellectual and social hub, passionately addressing today’s most pressing issues. Through a myriad of impactful initiatives, we are fostering groundbreaking interdisciplinary programs and events that reshape the narrative of what it means to fight for social justice. See how we are deepening our connection with our community, validating the impactful network structures we’ve built, and setting a robust foundation for the exciting journey ahead as reflect on five years of transformation.
Our Mission
Rooted in the Social Sciences Division at UC Santa Cruz, the institute supports innovative scholarship that changes the world. The institute is a critical intellectual and social hub, connecting scholars across UC Santa Cruz and partners beyond the University, developing research-based solutions to urgent problems in the world.
NEW BOOK – Charging Forward: Lithium Valley, Electric Vehicles, and a Just Future
A clarion call for justice in the quest for clean energy
California’s Salton Sea region is home to some of the worst environmental health conditions in the country. It is also ground zero for a new “lithium gold rush”—a race to extract a mineral critical to the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and renewable energy storage markets. With enough lithium lurking beneath the surface to provide a third of global demand, who will benefit from the development of this precious resource?
Building Belonging: Undergraduate Research Showcase
The Institute for Social Transformation hosted an end-of-year celebration and student showcase event to honor the work that has been accomplished in the Building Belonging program. The program is designed to foster student success, increase engagement, and build a greater sense of belonging for under-represented undergraduate students through faculty mentored service-learning and research projects.
Research News
