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Program in Community and Agroecology

Planting in the garden Program in Community and Agroecology (PICA) is an experiential living-learning program located at The Village on the beautiful UCSC campus. PICA students address issues of sustainability through hands-on community engagement, turning an old rock quarry into a sustainable garden. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across disciplines live cooperatively, study, grow, and prepare food together in The Village housing modules dedicated to PICA.

"PICA is about community, sustainability, and growth... there is an abundance of knowledge surrounding us all the time... PICA provides an atmosphere for each individual to explore that which they feel passionate about"
- Adam G

PICA students living in The Village community are committed to sustainable living and food systems. They grow organic food together, implement ecological landscaping projects around their housing units, and direct a Village wide composting program. Through PICA, students collaborate to create an intentional and conscious “eco-community” on campus. Leadership positions are open to PICA students in the form of paid student assistantships, which help offset student housing costs within The Village.

For additional information about this program visit the PICA web site.