This project is now in update mode. Check back regularly to see how things are progressing.
Help Climate Research Students Go to CHESC! (October 2018)
Who We Are
We are the Climate Change Action Research Group (CCARG), a student-run undergraduate research group here at Cal Poly. CCARG was founded in 2016 through the University Honors Program to give undergraduate students the opportunity to experience and participate in research. CCARG is an interdisciplinary team with students who have a common interest in climate change action and education within Cal Poly.
Research is often hard to come by as an undergraduate, so CCARG creates a space for undergraduates to gain meaningful research experience. CCARG has given over 35 students an opportunity to learn about the research process, and to collaborate with organizations on and off campus. Team members are able to work through the entire research process from creation to completion. Through our work, CCARG is contributing to the creation of a more informed and capable student body that can tackle sustainable problems within higher education. Past and ongoing projects illustrate successful research focused on various components of existing work intended to improve mitigation of climate change at Cal Poly. The diversity of projects stems from the multitude of interests represented within CCARG, giving results of a cohesive breadth of sustainability research. The results found through our projects are for distribution to students and faculty, helping executives make educated decisions dealing with sustainability and climate change mitigation.
Our most impactful project so far was the Climate Change Aptitude Survey. The survey was administered to 728 Cal Poly Students, allowing CCARG to study the sustainable behaviors and attitudes of Cal Poly students. After the results were analyzed, they were distributed to Cal Poly staff who then used the data to push sustainable initiatives on Cal Poly's campus. This project won CCARG a Best Practice Award for Student Leadership in Sustainability at the California Higher Education Conference, ranking CCARG as a notable student led group in California. This year CCARG is looking forward to doing more research and hopefully attending more conferences!
Why We're Raising Money
Last year, half the CCARG team was able to attend and present at two conferences. The first was the ‘This Way to Sustainability Conference’ at California State University, Chico. The second was the California Higher Education and Sustainability Conference (CHESC), where we won a Best Practice award for Student Leadership in Sustainability. These conferences have acted as essential networking and growth opportunities for CCARG, as well as environments for members to practice their presentation and professional skills. As a research group, it is essential for us to have a platform to present our findings, connect to resources for collaborations, and grow our presence as a resource for Cal Poly. The ability of CCARG to take undergraduates through the research process, culminating with a presentation at a conference exemplifies the 'Learn By Doing' approach that Cal Poly strives to instill in every program.
$20
Dinner for a Team Member
Support the cost of a meal for a team member during the conference. We'll give you a a Facebook shoutout!
$50
New Computer Programs
Your gift supports computer programs we use to analyze data. To show our appreciation, you'll receive a Facebook shoutout.
$100
Transportation to Conference
Help provide transportation to a conference for all of the team members. To show our appreciation, you'll receive a personalized thank you.
$300
Send 1 Member to Conference
Your gift helps cover the cost for one team member to attend the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference. To show our appreciation, you'll receive a personalized thank you!
$500
Sponsor a Team Member
Your generous donation supports one team member for the entire year! To show our appreciation, you'll receive a personalized thank you.
$1,500
Half Our Goal
Help cover the cost for 5 team members to attend the California Higher Education Conference -- which is half our our total goal! To show our appreciation, you'll receive a Facebook shoutout, a personalized thank you, and CHESC swag.
$3,000
Team Goal
This generous donation funds our entire goal and covers the cost to send the whole CCARG team to the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference! To show our appreciation, you'll receive a Facebook shoutout, a personalized thank you, and CHESC swag.