Ready to get started?
We're seeking communities to serve in the 2025-26 academic year. Let us know what your community needs; we'll match the exceptional brainpower of University of Oregon students and faculty to find solutions.
Let's work together!
SCYP staff can help introduce the Sustainable City Year Program to stakeholders, staff, department heads, city leadership, and elected officials. We are available to help brainstorm interdisciplinary project ideas and answer questions about the program. SCYP focuses on developing strong partnerships between universities and communities; working together helps ensure well-developed projects.
If you have an idea for a special project or want to learn about our yearlong full partnerships, we want to hear from you. This is a rolling process with no deadline. To learn more contact Megan Banks, SCYP Director, at mbanks@uoregon.edu or call (541)346-6395.
Partnership Timeline
November - February
SCYP Partner Interest Form Opens
The Community Partner Guide is made available online for all interested cities. SCYP Director, Megan Banks, will be available for phone conferences and in-person meetings to discuss potential projects with partners. SCYP strongly suggests that communities interested in partnering with SCYP schedule a phone conference or visit with SCYP staff.
March 1
Interest Form Submission and Review
Priority given to communities who express interest by March 1, 2025.
March
SCYP Partner Selection
SCYP will identify and notify its top choice for next year's partnership.
Early May
Media Announcement
SCYP and partner coordinate media/press announcement of partner selection.
April - August
Planning Begins
SCYP and partner begin to match proposed projects with academic courses and faculty. SCYP and partner develop and sign contract. Partner visits UO to discuss projects with faculty.
September
Kickoff and Start of SCYP Classes
SCYP hosts a kickoff event at the University of Oregon to celebrate the start of the partnership.
Fall term classes start, and student work begins on SCYP projects.
September - December
Fall Classes and Presentations
Students give final presentations for fall SCYP classes, either in the partner city or at the University of Oregon.
January - MArch
Winter Classes and Presentations
Students give final presentations for winter SCYP classes, either in the partner city or at the University of Oregon. Fall reports are completed and delivered to the partner.
April - June
Spring Classes and Presentations
Students give final presentations for spring SCYP classes, either in the partner city or at the University of Oregon. Winter reports are completed and delivered to the partner.
June
End of Year Celebration
SCYP End of Year Celebration at partner location, including spring term final presentations, awards, and overall presentations of all class projects.
July - September
Final Reports
Spring reports are completed and delivered to the partner.
September - Future
Partnership Continuation
Unlike most consulting relationships, an SCYP partnership doesn't end when the contract is finished. Connections are forged between cities and the University of Oregon, and the exchange of ideas continues. Students graduate and become professionals working for Oregon communities.
We're always finding new ways to add value and match the best of the University with the interests of our partners. The door doesn't close with the final report hand-off. In fact, it's really just opened.