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Applications are now open for the 2026 CERSI!

Read below to learn more about the program and apply by August 14, 2026, with priority given to applications received sooner by our rolling admissions procedure.

Apply here

Who is this program for?

CERSI is an immersive program designed for emerging professionals in the Pacific Northwest in any discipline with a demonstrated interest in climate change, climate resilience, and issues of how those topics intersect with cultures and societies. This year, the program will be open to late-stage graduate students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals working in climate resilience (including those who have shifted careers). We encourage those in Washington who are interested in climate resilience work with communities to apply!

What will I learn?

The program focuses on different elements of climate resilience and social systems. Participants will develop a well-rounded understanding of climate resilience and how it intersects with cultures and societies in order to better understand how to integrate climate adaptation and resilience into their work, practice areas, research, or life. The program will host a variety of guest speakers from different professional, academic, and lived-experience backgrounds (some examples to show breadth below); in an intensive 8-day program with several speakers/activities per day and field trips/site visits throughout the week. The program mixes learning modalities that range from group discussions, activities, mixed media, panels, lectures, and field trips. 

Topics may include: climate impacts, climate adaptation & resilience, Indigenous & environmental ethics, climate & health, economics and degrowth, policy & communication, knowledge systems, co-production of knowledge and more. Examples of past speakers include:

• Dr. Heather Price – North Seattle Colleges; Climate Justice Across the Curriculum
• Todd Mitchell – Environmental Director of the Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection with the Swinomish Tribal Community
• Dr. Jan Newton – Co-director, Washington Ocean Acidification Center; Backyard Buoys
• Black Star Farmers – Seattle local mutual aid group
• Cyril Walrond – Northwest Community Bail Fund
• Vanessa Castle – Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe & Panthera
• Dr. Michelle Montgomery – University of Washington Tacoma Professor of Ethnic, Gender, and Labor Studies
• Dr. Steve Fradkin – Olympic National Park Ecologist

Can you share the program timeline?

The program will be hosted September 27, 2026 through October 4, 2026 at Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center in Stanwood, Washington. Students must be available to attend all program dates, including a possible virtual program orientation in September.

Program timeline:

What is the cost for participation?

For non-UW affiliated attendees (e.g., graduate students, Washington Sea Grant fellows, etc.), we are charging $300 to help cover the costs of attendance, including transportation to the facility from Seattle and room and board. 

We intend on covering the majority of costs for up to 25 participants. A limited number of scholarship stipends will be available in addition to covering costs of the program for selected participants who have a demonstrated financial need. If you or your organization are unable to afford the registration fee, please let us know in your application.

Are there scholarships available?

There are scholarships available for those who show demonstrated need and are unable to pay the registration fee. Please contact us to determine eligibility. For those traveling from outside of Seattle, we may also be able to provide a travel stipend for transportation to the program.

Who can I contact with more questions?

If you have additional questions, please contact the program team at cersi@uw.edu

How can I apply?

Apply here

Testimonials

• “DO IT! In all seriousness, I would tell pretty much anyone working on climate … [to] take this course. This was such a supportive environment and I have several case studies and new connections to incorporate into several projects!”
• “It’s a really cool program with speakers from different disciplines.”
• “It’s really challenging, but a great way to be exposed to a variety of people and perspectives that are passionate about creating a more just future.”
• The connections with presenters and with my fellow [participants] was great. I feel like I have a community of people to reach out to if I have questions on a particular subject, need help on a project, or just want a listening ear to what’s happening in the world.
• It has broadened my understanding but also allowed me to focus in on how my fellowship/ work/ project intersects with those themes [of climate resilience].
• The speakers presented a number of climate change dimensions (I was aware of the majority of them), but it was interesting to hear specific details and personal experiences with those dimensions.
• I learned from my fellow [participants] as well as from the practitioners and community members who shared their expertise with our cohort. The program built upon the knowledge I gained from my master’s degree while also introducing valuable new perspectives and centering place-based learning with experiences out in the field.
• CERSI was a great overview of the many ecological, social, and cultural dimensions of [climate resilience]. The speakers were incredibly generous with their knowledge and experience and provoked deep personal introspection. It was also a great opportunity to connect with other early career climate resilience folks. It was a real gift to find friendship here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I have time for additional work during the program?

-A: No. This is a full time, intensive program and participants will not have time to engage in additional work outside of the program. We expect all participants to be fully engaged and present throughout the program. 

Q: I am a professional or student from outside of the Pacific Northwest, can I apply?

–A: Yes, but we are prioritizing Pacific Northwest applications, so we may not be able to accommodate your participation. 

Q: I am a student or professional outside the U.S. Are you able to provide visa support? 

–A: Unfortunately, we are not able to provide support for visa applications to attend the Institute. 

Q: I am currently a second-year graduate student, however I will complete my degree in June. Would I be eligible for the program?

–A: Yes, you are eligible for the program. We are accepting applications from early career researchers, practitioners, and professionals with a demonstrated interest in climate change, climate resilience, and social systems. We generally prioritize students in the latter stage of their graduate program (Master’s or Doctoral) OR within five years of finishing their terminal degree or a career change, however we consider all applicants.

Q: I I am a research scientist working at a tech company. Am I eligible for this program?

-A: Yes, we have limited spots for early-career applicants from all sectors.

Q: What about room and board?

-A: All participants will stay in shared cabins at Warm Beach and will receive meals on site. After acceptance into the program, we will send out a form for dietary restrictions.