Program Details
AS A RESULT OF THE COVID19 CRISIS,WE ARE SLOWLY BRINGING BACK THE RETURN OF OUR GELS PROGRAMS. SUMMER 2023 WILL ONLY BE OFFERING OUR GELS HAWAII PROGRAM.
Managed by the Division of Extended Studies, the UC San Diego Global Environmental Leadership and Sustainability (GELS) programs combine scientific research with leadership training and personal growth skills in an effort to develop future leaders of change. Each program gives high school students an exclusive opportunity to engage and address environmental issues making news today through research and learning. The cutting-edge coursework is taught by renowned researchers, graduate students and professional scientists.
Arizona - Biosphere 2
This one-week residential program is an intense science course exploring the causes and effects of climate change on earth’s systems. Working in biomes and labs inside the Biosphere complex, students will design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and present their results and findings in a scientific poster presentation.
Hawaii
Travel to the Big Island of Hawaii where participants examine issues of island life from biodiversity reduction and habitat destruction to coastal storm impacts. Working with native Hawaiians and various nonprofit organizations, students study and address these climate change issues to develop proposals and solutions for combating the effects of climate change.
Washington D.C.
Analyze and interpret exclusive data collected by Scripps Institution of Oceanography to explore one of today’s pressing environmental issues. Exercise leadership skills by lobbying on Capitol Hill with state Representatives by advocating on issues in a professional, informed and productive way.
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Academic Connections
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Research Scholars
Unparalleled educational opportunities that leverage the intellectual capital of an institution ranked as the fourth-best public research university in the world.
Become a Leader in Caring for the Earth
The UC San Diego Global Environmental Leadership and Sustainability (GELS) programs enable high school students to engage and address environmental issues in the world today.