Master Composter Program

The Sustainability Academy’s Master Composter Program is a no-cost 8-class, in-class course with a tentative start date of March 11, 2025. The classes will be Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (no class on April 8th). All composting experience levels are welcome. The course is a mixture of lecture and hands-on learning, with an emphasis on interactivity to teach concrete composting skills. You do not have to have a backyard to participate and start composting at home! The course provides students:

In-depth knowledge of backyard and vermi (worm) composting
An understanding of soil biodiversity and all the benefits of adding compost to your soil
An overview of solid waste reduction practices
Communication, leadership, and instruction skills you can use to educate others how to compost

The Goal of this Course

HAVE FUN – Make friends and new connections with a common interest!
GET INVOLVED – Learn cutting-edge resource conservation techniques and theory from local sustainability experts, and learn what you can do to empower yourself and others to promote these activities.
GIVE BACK – Educate your friends, neighbors, kids, teachers, and community on the value of conserving resources!

Important Course Elements

After the completion of the course, we require that you volunteer 20 hours of your time using the skills that you learned in the class to promote sustainability in your communities. Volunteering can be completed with the Sustainability Department, with a third-party organization, or with a DIY creative project. All volunteering must be completed in San Mateo County within one year of course completion.
Once you complete both the course and the required volunteer hours, you will receive a certificate of completion as recognition of your commitment to sustainability and your community.
You must be 14 years or older to attend the classes.
Priority will be given to San Mateo County community members, specifically those who live, work, or go to school in San Mateo County.
If you need ADA accommodations, please contact us at least five (5) business days prior to the first class you will be attending.