The Bren School seeks creative, interdisciplinary proposals that leverage data science approaches to drive solutions to environmental problems. Capstone Projects provide organizations with a team of 3-4 MEDS students working the equivalent of one full-time employee over five months.

For detailed information on proposal requirements and submission instructions, please download our MEDS Capstone Request for Proposals for the 2026-2027 academic year:

Download the MEDS Capstone Request for Proposals (RFP)

The Bren School also invites partners to submit a proposal for a Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM) Impact project. Review the MESM RFP.

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How to Submit a Proposal

Proposals are due on September 30th, 2026. Here's what to expect from the proposal development and submission process:

  1. Review the RFP: Our Request for Proposals outlines project requirements and proposal format.
  2. Register your interest: Complete this brief Google Form as a first step in proposal development. A Bren staff member will follow up to answer questions and offer pre-submission consultations, including guidance on scoping a MEDS Capstone Project.
  3. Attend a webinar: Learn how to develop a strong Capstone Project proposal by attending one of our informational webinars. Sessions will cover the Capstone program, proposal requirements, evaluation criteria, and tips for submitting a competitive proposal.
  4. Develop your proposal: Craft your 3-page proposal. Bren staff are available for consultation throughout the development process.
  5. Submit your proposal: Proposals are due by 5:00 pm PT on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 to projects@bren.ucsb.edu. Before submitting, use this checklist to confirm your proposal includes all required components. Projects that cannot be completed by the end of May 2027 will not be considered.

What to Expect After Submission

  • Fall Quarter (September - December): The Bren School Capstone Project Committee evaluates proposals using this rubric, with consideration given to building a balanced portfolio of projects across domains, methodological approaches, broader impacts, and deliverable types. Approximately 9-11 Capstone Project proposals will be selected for the 2026-2027 academic year. Clients will be notified of their selection status by mid-December 2026.
  • Winter Quarter (January - March): Students refine project objectives, review datasets, and develop a design and implementation plan. Clients meet with students and a faculty advisor to review progress and revisit objectives, as needed. Students present their design plan to Bren School faculty before beginning data analysis and processing.
  • Spring Quarter (March - May): Clients meet with students and a faculty advisor to review progress and answer questions, as needed. Following the design plan, students complete their data science deliverable(s), project repository, and technical documentation, then present their findings to the public, client, and Bren community.
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Masters of Environmental Data Science students with their faculty advisors and project lead

Limited Intellectual Property License

By participating in the Capstone Project, the client agrees that: (1) its logo and other publicly available intellectual property may be used by the Bren School, including its students, faculty, and staff, solely in connection with the specific Capstone Project in which the client participates; and (2) any Capstone Project deliverables containing the client’s logo or other intellectual property may be made publicly available via the Bren School’s website and other formats.

Upon written request by the client, a Capstone Project incorporating the client’s intellectual property will include a disclaimer identifying the client as the owner of the intellectual property and stating that all rights are reserved by the client. The client may also, upon written request, withhold consent to use certain intellectual property owned by the client.

Questions?

Interested in submitting a Capstone Project Proposal? Please let us know by filling out this Google Form, and a Bren staff member will contact you shortly afterwards to help answer any questions. 

Not sure if you’d like to submit a Capstone project proposal, but have questions you need answered? Contact us at projects@bren.ucsb.edu.