CAUSES In Action | May 2025 Edition | | |
Transformative News in Agriculture and Sustainability | | | |
Commencement | May 10, 2025
The University of the District of Columbia’s 48th Commencement took place on Saturday, May 10, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Mr. C. Brian Williams, the founder and executive producer of Step Afrika!, delivered the keynote address. Williams was honored as a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest recognition in folk and traditional arts in the United States. His work is prominently displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Congratulations to all the 2025 Graduates.
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Education Becomes Essential in the Fight Against Pollution | Earth Day 2025
Earth Day should consciously be every day. With the global issues resulting in climate change and other environmental threats, there is a growing need to learn how to live a sustainable lifestyle. Do you agree? Well, The Washington Informer wanted to see just what Mchezaji “Che” Axum, the director of UDC Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education had to say about climate change. Read the article here.
Learn how you can make an impact to the earth's environmental issues. Explore our programs and advocate for environmental justice. Got questions about our mission, academic degrees, or community-based programs?
Check out our video below. See how CAUSES continues to serve local communities and teach how to live sustainability.
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Honors Convocation | May 7, 2025
The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences recognized and awarded its students and graduates for their achievements at the UDC Student Center. This annual event focuses on those who make a transformative impact while attending UDC. The event encourages all students and their families to attend and celebrate with their colleagues at next year’s event.
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Architecture Open House | May 2, 2025
Attendees had the opportunity to explore career paths in design, planning and management fields of study. The college seeks to educate the next generation of architects, with an emphasis on developing sustainable infrastructure and urban sustainability initiatives and offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and a Master of Architecture degree. Both programs are housed within the only public urban land-grant HBCU institution in the nation. According to the Department of Labor Statistics, the industry job outlook is projected to grow due to market expansion.
| | Wear Green in May! CAUSES invites you to be a part of the national movement. This year's theme is, "You Matter: Your Mind, Your Voice, Your Wellness,” to empower, nurture, support and advocate for mental wellbeing. The green ribbon symbolizes the month of May in recognition of this global initiative. On May 15, 2025, show your support by wearing the color green. Wear It Green Day (May 15) represents efforts to turn the world green for healthy mental wellness. | | | |
UDC-CAUSES Expands Its Innovative Programs
Transform your future with our hybrid Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health Sciences. This innovative program combines flexible online learning with hands-on experiences powered by immersive technology.
The 12-month M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics program is multidisciplinary and uses competency-based assessment to prepare work-ready registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). The courses and supervised experiential learning activities (practice) are modern and innovative and are designed to meet the challenges of a dynamic and evolving field.
UDC-CAUSES offers bachelor’s, master’s, professional science master's and doctoral degree programs.
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Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
On April 26, 2025, the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) hosted an event to honor those who gave their support to the college's mission and vision. This annual event provides the college a chance to spotlight those committed to advocating for Healthy Cities, Healthy People in urban environments.
Make an impact. Click the "volunteer" button below to serve and help your community.
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Did You Know That UDC has Farmers Markets in Washington, D.C.?
UDC's Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening and the Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation, and Infrastructure connect local farmers and small businesses to communities in the district. This connection contributes to fostering engagement and helps communities grow. Vendors are carefully selected with the initiative focused to deliver fresh, in-season produce, international foods and products to enjoy. CAUSES continues its mission and vision to diligently fight food injustice, one market at a time, and proudly educates residents about healthy eating.
Farmers markets offer communities a chance to explore memorable international cuisine, healthier food options and a diverse plethora of cultural experiences. Each location delivers unique offerings and something for the entire family to enjoy. Fresh produce, world-class cuisine, art, live performances, horseback riding, certified farmer demonstrations and educational field days are just a few of the fantastic experiences available at the markets. Activities vary per location.
Farmers Market Locations:
Van Ness
Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW (in front of the Student Center building). Days/Hours of Operation: Market springs into action on April 19 and will continue through December 6. The market will be open 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
East Capitol Urban Farm
Location: 5929 E Capitol St SE
Days/Hours of Operation: Market is open year-round, every other Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (weather dependent). The market opened on April 12.
*Interested in becoming a vendor or performing at one of our markets, contact Andrew.Blunk@udc.edu.
| | | Van Ness Farmers Market | Vendor Spotlight | | | Hannah’s Cafe (Linda Homebaking) offers Vietnamese street food. Their menu is a compilation of ethnic foods such as Banh Mi rolls, summer rolls, papaya salads, pineapple tarts and so much more. Come and try their traditional dishes from this local small business on Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the University of the District of Columbia Van Ness Campus in Washington, D.C. • Instagram: @lindahomebaking | | |
Registration Is Now Open! The UDC-CAUSES summer camps help students enjoy their summer while learning about sustainable urban living. Parents can feel confident that their children will be in a positive environment, connecting with others who want to learn about the environment, stay healthy, and explore exciting careers.
To register or learn more about our FREE summer camps, click the program of interest below. Some of our summer camps offer stipends for travel expenses.
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Data STEAAM Camp – This 6-week Data Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Architecture, Math (STEAAM) Camp will lead high schoolers through an immersive summer focused on agriculture and architecture. Discussions will encompass college-level resources, social approaches, and analytical techniques surrounding STEAAM. Students will conduct research, utilize data reporting and technological tools and explore how to promote food security within food deserts to ensure access to fresh food options and quality water supplies. Campers will have the opportunity to meet STEAAM experts while exploring UDC’s college degree programs, internships, career paths and industry-specific training.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times: 06/23 - 08/01, M-F, 9 AM – 1 PM
Hydroponic and Microgreens Better Nutrition Camp
Students will learn the fundamentals of urban food production, focusing on how to grow microgreens and sprouts in small spaces, making urban agriculture accessible even in apartments or homes without land access. The camp will cover the full process from seed germination to harvest, demonstrating how small-scale production can contribute to household or community food security. Once completed, students will have a better understanding of hydroponic systems, the nutritional value of fresh produce, and explore potential entrepreneurial opportunities. Additionally, the camp will introduce students to UDC’s urban agriculture programs, potentially inspiring them to explore academic and career paths in agriculture, food systems, or sustainability.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times:
Session I: 6/2-6/7, M-S, 9 AM - 12 PM
Session II: 7/7- 7/11, M-F, 9 AM – 12 PM
Green Zone Summer Camp
The Department of Energy and Environment’s (DOEE) Green Zone Environmental Program (GZEP) implements a comprehensive curriculum designed to educate participants ages 14-24 about sustainability, energy, water, wildlife, and natural resources issues impacting communities in the district and provide green career development and job training opportunities.
Location: Lamond Riggs Campus, 5171 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times: 6/24 - 8/1, M-F, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Architecture Summer Camp
The two-week summer camp focuses on design excellence, sustainability, and community engagement, equipping campers with the skills to tackle global challenges. D.C. high school students will explore cutting-edge tools like virtual reality in our advanced immersive lab, enhance their technical expertise with state-of-the-art model-making facilities, and gain practical knowledge through collaborative, real-world projects.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times:
Session I: 6/16 - 6/27, M-F. 10 AM – 12:30 PM
Session II: 7/21 - 8/01, M-F, 10 AM – 12:30 PM
Culinary Arts Summer Camp
DC youths interested in cooking, culinary arts, and delicious food will learn culinary arts skills while creating unique dishes from several different cultural cuisines. Chef Herbert Holden of CAUSES’ Center for Diet, Nutrition, and Health will teach campers techniques needed to follow recipes, prep food, use kitchen equipment safely and hygienically, and cook their favorite dishes. Campers will also learn about health and food nutrition.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times:
Session I: 7/21 - 7/25, M-F, 11 AM - 1:30 PM
Session II: 8/4 - 8/8, M-F, 11 AM - 1:30 PM
Agri-Earth STEM Summer Camp
The camp empowers youths to explore urban agriculture, food security, climate change, renewable energy, and STEM careers through interactive challenges and real-world applications. Youths will connect with like-minded individuals and develop critical STEM skills. Campers will delve into urban farming, global sustainability and its challenges through a mock-up competition and create lasting friendships.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times: 6/23 – 7/31, M-F, 10 AM – 3 PM
4-H Soccer Program Summer Camp
The camp is designed for players to learn sportsmanship in a setting that fosters essential life skills to apply on and off the field. Teams are organized by gender and age, offering a high-quality soccer experience for both recreational and competitive players.
Location: Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Dates/Times: 6/23 - 8/15, M-F, 10 AM - 11 AM
To register your student for summer camp, click here.
| | Click the video below to experience our past summer camp adventures. | | |
Seniors Do Work Out
The BODYWISE Program is specifically designed and operated to promote health, wellness, and fitness for persons 60 years of age or older in the District of Columbia. Some of the benefits that can be achieved include: an increase in participants' cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength, flexibility, and overall life satisfaction, as well as health and preventive knowledge.
The BODYWISE Program consists of water aerobics (swimming is not required), yoga, low-impact aerobics, and chair exercise classes. Classes are conducted by appropriately trained and certified instructors. Participants are encouraged to exercise at their personal level of fitness. The program also provides great opportunities for socializing.
If interested, check out the upcoming schedule for BODYWISE classes throughout Washington, D.C., and apply to the program here.
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Your participation is essential to UDC-CAUSES' mission. You can help us continue developing innovative solutions for the world's future through support of our urban food hubs, research efforts, urban farming and youth development activities, community events, and more.
Your contribution supports the college's research-based and community outreach programs that improve the quality of life and economic opportunity of people and communities in DC, and beyond.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a volunteer day for your organization, contact Michele Bassler at michele.bassler@udc.edu.
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UDC's Foundation is committed to supporting future generations. We strive to give students the resources necessary to achieve success, and your contributions help UDC-CAUSES arm its students with the skills and knowledge to face global challenges, create solutions to community and global issues, and meet industries' talent demands.
Your support is needed to advance the University's research and continue our academic excellence and innovation legacy.
Create a legacy of giving and leave a positive and enduring impact on the lives of these deserving students. Your generosity will open doors to education and empower the next generation to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
| | | | Stay Informed! Check out our upcoming community-based programs. | | | | |
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Welcome to the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, & Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). UDC-CAUSES was formed in 2010 as the University’s land-grant college.
We engage in applied teaching and research that helps to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for residents of the District of Columbia and others around the world through traditional academic degrees and through non-degree, non-credit bearing, skills-building programs, such as green infrastructure and urban agriculture.
UDC-CAUSES is unique in its organizational structure and its mission: an interdisciplinary college where academic programs such as architecture, urban sustainability, health education, nutrition and dietetics, and nursing train a forward-thinking generation of professionals who will ensure that the world has “Healthy Cities–Healthy People.” The College houses the only doctoral-level program in the nation that focuses on urban leadership and entrepreneurship.
For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact us at causes@udc.edu.
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About the University of the District of Columbia
As an HBCU, an urban land-grant institution, and the only public university in the nation’s capital, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is committed to a broad mission of education, research, and community service. Established by abolitionist Myrtilla Miner in 1851, the University offers Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees, along with a host of workforce development and continuing education certifications for student success, professional growth, and economic advancement. The University is comprised of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; School of Business and Public Administration; School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; UDC Community College; and the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law. To learn more, visit www.udc.edu.
The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University prohibits discrimination or harassment against any person on the basis of the actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity.The University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801, 267-284-5011.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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