Change the World Challenge

Apply today to be a part of the the 2026 Change the World Challenge. The student design competition, hosted by the College of Engineering, is a transformative, multidisciplinary student competition open to all majors. It
empowers students to apply systems thinking and provides the tools to design impactful solutions for complex, real-world challenges. Through cross-disciplinary teamwork, milestone stipends, faculty mentorship and structured training, students will progress from preliminary proposals to final presentations, culminating in a public showcase in May 2026. Application deadline is Oct. 31.

CAFES Connections: Fall Career Networking Event 

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences invites students of all majors to join CAFES Connections, the fall‑quarter career networking event designed to connect you with industry professionals and open doors to internships and full‑time opportunities. 

Date & Time: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 4–7 p.m. 
Location: Swanson Center of Effort Conference Hall, JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture 

At the event, you’ll have the chance to engage one‑on‑one with professionals from a broad array of industries, learn about their companies and explore how your major can open diverse career paths.

Summer 2026: Regenerative Farming in Ecuador

CAFES students interested in sustainable agriculture and hands-on experience in regenerative farming are invited to join the Regeneration Field Institute in Ecuador for a nine day immersive program this summer. Students will explore sustainable farming systems on a 70-acre research site, connect with local communities, and collaborate with like-minded peers from Cal Poly. This is a great opportunity to gain practical skills in the growing field of regenerative agriculture. An upcoming info session will be held Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. For more information: Fill out the interest form and follow @regenerationfieldslo on Instagram.

Trip Details 
When: June 16–25, 2026 
Where: Rural Manabí, Ecuador 
Who: Open to all majors and class years 

Students Hold First-Ever Prescribed Burn at Cal Poly 

A group of fourth-year forest and fire sciences majors teamed up with CAL FIRE and California State Parks for a successful prescribed burn at Cal Poly’s Escuela Ranch on Oct. 13 — the first ever to be held on campus.

Students gained real-world experience in ignition techniques, fire line safety and ecosystem restoration while helping reduce wildfire risk and promote healthy grasslands. The prescribed burn was led by Assistant Professor Ashley Grupenhoff of the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department.

Feed Your Future Scholarship

Are you a student who’s passionate about agriculture and making a difference in industry? Applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual Ag Careers Feed Your FutureScholarship. Ag Careers will award two $1,000 scholarships— to one U.S. student and one Canadian student. It is open to all college students studying agriculture or who intend to pursue a career in agriculture.  Find out more and apply today. Deadline for submissions in Nov. 17.

Udall Scholarship Opportunity 

Do you have a strong interest in the environment and passionate about leading positive change?  Consider applying for the Udall Scholarship which is available for all second and third-year students of all majors who demonstrate leadership, public service and a strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges. The award provides up to $7,000 for academic expenses. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1, 2026. To be nominated by Cal Poly and to get support in preparing your application make an appointment with Professor Nishi Rajakaruna in the Cal Poly NIFS office by emailing: nrajakar@calpoly.edu. 

Repairing What’s Broken From Toxic E- Waste to Sustainable…

Join the Natural Resources Management Department for a special Gilead Speaker Series event: “Repairing What’s Broken: From Toxic E-Waste to Sustainable Futures,” featuring speakers anthropologist Peter C. Little and sustainability director Liz Chamberlain. They will explore the global impacts of e-waste and the need for repair-centered solutions. A Q&A session will follow the discussion. 

When: Oct. 23, 11:10 a.m. – Noon

Where: Building 180, Room 101 

A New Year Begins: Welcome Back, Mustangs

To all our CAFES students, welcome home! We’re thrilled to have our returning students back and excited to welcome our newest Mustangs. Whether you’re continuing your journey or just beginning, we’re glad you’re here and can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish. Here’s to an unforgettable year and creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Chat and Connect with Associate Dean Ann De Lay

All students are welcome to visit the recently launched monthly office hours with Associate Dean Ann De Lay, the college’s associate dean of student success and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Stop by the Multicultural Agriculture Program (MAP) Center from 11:10 a.m. to Noon on Oct. 23, Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, to chat and become more familiar with the various programs offered by the college. The MAP Center is located in Building 10, Room 202.

It is a great way to connect, ask questions or share your ideas with college leadership.