As sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental justice challenges continue to grow, CSULB is deepening its commitment to research-driven solutions that benefit the campus, surrounding communities, and beyond. Central to this effort is BEACONS, a new initiative designed to support faculty and students in advancing meaningful sustainability research and creative projects. 

What is BEACONS? 

BEACONS—Beach Environmental Action for Climate, Our Neighbors & Sustainability— is a mini‑grant program that offers financial support to faculty and students pursuing sustainability‑focused Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RSCA).  

Developed by the President’s Commission on Sustainability in partnership with CSULB’s Leadership Fellows Program, BEACONS provides targeted funding and structured support for interdisciplinary RSCA focused on sustainability, environmental justice, and climate change issues and solutions. 

The program is designed to lower barriers to research, spark new collaborations, and elevate sustainability scholarship across disciplines—from the arts and humanities to engineering, sciences, and social sciences. 

BEACONS also aims to create pathways for students to work alongside faculty mentors while gaining hands-on research experience, professional guidance, and networking opportunities. For this reason, faculty who wish to apply for a mini-grant will be required to first attend a Faculty-Student Research Mixer as a condition of eligibility.  

The BEACONS initiative is the brainchild of Dr. Kimberly Kelly, Professor and Chair of the Department of Human Development and Co-Chair of the President’s Commission on Sustainability. Dr. Kelly is also part of the current cohort of the Leadership Fellows Program (LFP) and developed BEACONS as her LFP leadership project.  

“At a time of shifting national priorities around climate and environmental justice, BEACONS reflects our commitment to doubling down on sustainability research and amplifying faculty and student collaborations,” stated Dr. Kelly. “These collaborations drive innovation, design community-centered solutions, inspire action, and expand our ability to address the greatest challenge of our time.” 

 Sustainability at CSULB: The Bigger Picture 

The goal of BEACONS is to expand the interdisciplinary research already happening across more than twenty academic departments, according to the most recent inventory conducted in 2023. BEACONS builds upon CSULB’s growing sustainability ecosystem, which includes initiatives such as the Sustainability Fellows, Sustainability Champions, Climate Justice and Sustainability Across the Curriculum Workshop, and campus-wide events like the Green Generation Showcase, a display of student projects that explore sustainability issues.Together, these efforts highlight student, staff, and faculty innovation while fostering a culture of environmental leadership. 

 Why Get Involved? 

Faculty members in need of additional support for their sustainability or environmental justice RSCA and students who wants to gain experience working with a faculty mentor are encouraged to attend the Faculty-Student Research Mixer on Thursday, April 23rd from 3:00 to 3:50pm at the Hilllside Commons Patio to make connections and explore the possibilities. The application form is straightforward, and awardees will be notified before the end of the academic year if their project has been selected to receive funding.  

 Dr. Kelly and the PCS hope that by providing structured funding and support for RSCA, the BEACONS mini‑grant program will empower students and faculty to co‑create innovative solutions and help shape a more sustainable and just future for all. 

 Learn More 

To learn about eligibility requirements, funding details, and application deadlines, or to RSVP for the Mixer, visit the BEACONS webpage.