Who We Are

People. Planet. Purpose.

two kids overlooking the Scripps Institution of Oceanography pier
Begin quote The Hub aims to bridge gaps in knowledge and resources, and inspire purposeful action by people who care about the health of our planet. – Christiana DeBenedict, Director of The Hub

Our Mission

We provide environment and social justice research, trainings, and resources to advance solutions and facilitate collaboration among regional leaders and organizations.

Our Vision

The Hub, housed within The Nonprofit Institute at The University of San Diego (USD) works collaboratively with researchers, educators and students, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and elected officials to create systems change that generates solutions to environmental problems, advances the health of our planet, and builds a strong and just society.

Through its comprehensive curriculum, collaborative research, and community engagement, The Hub develops innovative educational models, cultivates the next generation of leaders, and strengthens organizations and communities. The objectives and outcomes of The Hub put into practice USD’s tradition of academic rigor and six strategic pathways in order to create changemakers who will confront humanity’s most urgent challenges and take action on environmental priorities.

Little boy on beach starting at the cliffs

Our History

We originate from Climate Education Partners, a National Science Foundation-funded project housed at the University of San Diego. Climate Education Partners began in 2010 with the goal of providing science about our changing climate with regional leaders. With a solid scientific foundation, our leaders can make informed decisions on how best to protect the spectacular natural beauty, economic vibrancy and preserve the quality of life in San Diego, not just for today, but for all future generations. 

Specifically, Climate Education Partners had three long-term goals:

  • Educate: To increase understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change, especially its local impacts to quality of life
  • Evaluate: To identify the most effective informational methods to make climate science and its implications understood
  • Replicate: To develop and implement a national model for regional climate change education and communication by working with local expert scientists, educators, and local leaders

CEP developed relationships with leaders representing six key sectors (tribal, public health, Latino community, business, government, transportation). CEP worked with these leaders to create educational resources and engage in educational activities that benefit their communities and help them to make informed decisions. These sectors were identified as highly impacted and/or highly impactful, and include business, government, transportation, tribal, public health, and the Latino community.