Projects
The Institute for Social Transformation is proud to support a wide variety of community-engaged projects that are making a difference throughout our region, across California, and beyond. Our staff work alongside faculty fellows to provide crucial research support for these initiatives. If you’re interested in getting involved or proposing a new project, please contact Executive Director Ned LeBlond
Current projects
California Air Resources Board California Climate Investment Quantification Methodologies
Engaging experts and the public on methods for tracking greenhouse gas reductions and other climate program benefits
California Air Resources Board Racial Equity Inventory
Analyzing the state’s efforts to address racial inequities in air pollution impacts and providing a path forward.
Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI)
Technical assistance and strategic planning support leverage public funding for regional economic development.
CONNECT/CONECTADOS Project
We provide tailored project support for this effort exploring how Indigenous social networks affect health and wellbeing.
Everett Program for Technology and Social Change
We provide administrative and coordination support for this program, which helps students harness technology for public good.
Farmworker Community Health Vulnerabilities and Responses Amid Climate Change
We provide grant administration support for this research to help farmworkers deal with climate change impacts.
Global and Community Health Program
We help connect scholars across the university and beyond to develop strategic research clusters associated with this degree program.
Irvine Foundation Priority Communities Initiative
Supporting communities across the state with inclusive economic development through learning and capacity-building.
New Gen Learning
Leveraging diverse cultural strengths to support student learning, in the classroom and beyond.
Public Interest Technology University Network
Collaborating across academia to apply technology expertise in ways that promote the welfare of society.
Racial Equity: Liberatory Mathematics Learning Project
Developing new professional learning resources for K-12 math teachers in partnership with Black disabled students.
Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI)
Research and capacity-building work to shift the economic landscape and create more opportunity for local families.
Past projects
AgTech
Developing ethical and socially responsible agricultural technologies for a sustainable future.
Corre La Voz
We provided administrative support for this afterschool program that connects undergrad mentors with local students.
Lithium Battery Electric Supply Chain: Workforce Analysis
Recommending policies to capture localized economic benefit from lithium extraction in the Salton Sea region.
Salton Sea Long Term Planning Project
Evaluating water importation proposals and alternatives for restoration of the Salton Sea.
Solidarity Economics
Research and strategies to design and implement a more inclusive economy that works for the benefit of all.
Urban Environment & Justice Collaborative
Drawing connections between urban development, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Research for Resilience
We provided grant administration support for this research exploring the intersection of the climate and housing crises