Hartnell College is proud to introduce the Climate and Environmental Resilience Ambassadors (CERA) Program, an innovative initiative designed to empower students as leaders in climate adaptation and environmental resilience. Funded through a $2 million subaward from California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the program will equip students with essential skills and hands-on experience to address pressing climate challenges. Hartnell’s work is part of a larger $71.1 million dollar project entitled Climate Resilient Monterey Bay, sponsored by National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) through the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, and focused on bolstering climate adaptation efforts in the region.

Under the leadership of Dr. Jason Hough, Professor at Hartnell College, the CERA Program will engage 175 students over the next five years in experiential learning, leadership development, and climate policy advocacy. While enrolled in public speaking and argumentation courses, students will participate in guest speaker sessions, field trips, and real-world climate adaptation projects, integrating key sustainability concepts into their academic and career paths.

Supporting Student Success

In addition to gaining valuable skills, students enrolled in the CERA Program will receive full funding for books, fees, and tuition, removing financial barriers and making the program accessible to all interested participants.

The program is open to current and future Hartnell College students planning to enroll in Fall 2025 for COM 1, Intro. to Public Speaking and COM 2, Argumentation and Debate. (Students who have already earned credit for these courses are ineligible.)

“The CERA Program offers students a unique opportunity to engage directly in climate action while developing critical leadership and technical skills,” said Dr. Jason Hough. “By providing real-world learning experiences, we are preparing the next generation of environmental leaders to tackle regional and global climate challenges.”

Workforce Development & Paid Internships

The CERA Program is a key initiative in Hartnell College’s broader efforts to support workforce development in climate resilience. Over the next five years, the college aims to engage more than 750 learners in no-cost, skill-based certificate programs, preparing them for careers in environmental science, sustainability, and climate policy.

Additionally, students will have access to paid internships ranging from 75 to 360 hours, offering hands-on experience in areas such as:

• Coastal restoration
• Non-native fuel reduction
• Habitat conservation

Regional Impact & Collaboration

Hartnell College is a core partner in the Monterey Bay Climate Action Adaptation Network (MBCAAN) and Climate Resilience Monterey Bay (CRMB), regional collaborations of more than 30 agencies and organizations across Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Through these partnerships, students in the CERA Program will contribute directly to climate adaptation efforts, gaining exposure to real-world projects and industry connections that enhance their career readiness.

“This initiative reflects Hartnell College’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and student success,” said Shannon Bliss, Director of Agriculture Innovation and Technology. “Through this program, we are not only providing a valuable educational experience but also creating real-world opportunities for students to make a lasting impact in their communities.”

For more information about the Climate and Environmental Resilience Ambassadors (CERA) Program, please contact:

Dr. Jason Hough, Professor, Hartnell College, email jhough@hartnell.edu.

Shannon Bliss, Director of Agriculture Innovation and Technology, Hartnell College, 831-770-7050 (direct), email sbliss@hartnell.edu.

For interviews or more information about Hartnell College, contact: Richard Morales, Director of Communications & Marketing, 831-755-6858 (direct), 831-206-9422 (cell), email rmorales@hartnell.edu.

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About Hartnell College

Located in the heart of the Salinas Valley, Hartnell Community College District (HCCD) is a leading institution serving over 12,000 students annually across our main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus, and education centers in King City, Castroville, and Soledad. For over a century, Hartnell College has served as a pillar of education in the Salinas Valley, offering high-quality academic programs and workforce training. Committed to student success and community engagement, Hartnell provides accessible, innovative of education that prepares students for careers, university transfer, and lifelong learning.

Our Mission: We advance social and economic justice through the transformative power of education.