LIFT is a UT Austin program that matches students with corporations and non-profits to solve sustainability-focused challenges. Projects are often related to corporate sustainability practices, reporting questions, market research for new innovations, corporate philanthropy, impact/ESG investing, and more. They must be completed in 10-to-12 weeks by a team of 4-6 students working 10 hours a week max, 5 on average each. Students mostly work remote, but do attend in-person LIFT cohort workshops 3-4 times a semester. LIFT is open to UT Austin juniors, seniors, and graduate students who demonstrate an interest in sustainability and have strong communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. Technical skills and leadership experience are a plus! Team members are selected by the clients after reading applications, and are expected to put in additional 1-2 weeks of pre-reading materials provided by the client prior to starting the project. Check the schedule carefully when filling out your application. Fall applications are open April-July, and Spring applications are open October-November.

LIFT Impact Stats

• LIFT consultants produced $1,337,208 in value to clients during the 2025-26 school year
• 100% of consultants recommend this program
• LIFT gave $9,250 in scholarships to 36 students since inception in 2021

• Vital Farms’ sustainability report
• Vistra’s sustainability report – upcoming
• DLA Piper Insights: Pursuing ESG in the Life Sciences Sector

• Activision Blizzard
• Albemarle
• Cintra
• Coca-Cola SWB
• DLA Piper
• HID Global
• MRC Global
• Spring Theory
• Talos Energy
• Veriforce
• Vital Farms