Apply Now!

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.

Get in Touch

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.

Community Partner Guide    Partner Interest Form

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.