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.
IST Catalyze and Emerging Scholar Grants
Applications due Jan. 31, 2025
Faculty from the UC Santa Cruz Social Sciences Division can apply for grants from the institute to support innovative research and programs that advance equitable, sustainable social futures. Funding awards cover various stages of the research process, from initial pilot studies to external funding applications to dissemination of research findings.
Call for Applications:
Funding for Faculty Research
Declaring the value of ‘undeclared’
Undeclared Scholars Program
A new program called Undeclared Scholars is helping students reframe their thinking around the process of selecting a major while also destigmatizing the notion of “undeclared.” The pilot program was launched in fall 2024 as collaboration between College Nine and John R. Lewis College and the Institute for Social Transformation. The program also includes an alumni speaker series called Explore, Inspire, Excite: Alumni Stories of Making a Meaningful Life.
Research News
