SDG Project Challenges

Partner in Tanzania meeting with UB students during a study abroad course.

Connecting UB faculty, students, and courses with community partners for virtual projects focused on the Sustainable Development Goals.

What is an SDG Project Challenge?

SDG Project Challenges engage faculty and students with community-based partners doing the work of sustainable development around the world. As they engage in virtual projects, students develop 21st century skills and competencies while deepening learing, and making tangible contributions.

This innovative approach to scaling Experiential Learning has been recognized by OLC and SUNY Effective Online Practices Awards and supported through a 2024 SUNY IITG Grant.  The model can be explored via the CATT Teaching Table Podcast and 2024 book, Experiential Learning and Community Partnerships for Sustainable Development: A Foundational Model for Climate Action

UB faculty and graduate students are invited to connect with featured community partners to develop customized projects utilizing the PEARL Project Framework. Projects can integrate with courses and programs of study and will feature support from the CATT Instructional Innovation and Transformation team. 

Deo Mbabazi in Uganda.

Who can participate?

SDG Project Challenges can be designed to support diverse curricular formats including internships, project-based learning, study abroad, or research. SDG Project Challenges include direct engagement with a community partner , explicit connections with the Sustainable Development Goals, and a tangible outcome that is meaningful for identified audiences. Faculty participating in SDG Project Challenges will have access to technology-based instructional tools and resources and support provided by the Office of Curriculum , Assessment and Teaching Transformation (CATT) including engagement around dynamic research and assessment.

UB Architecture students building a water catchment tank in Tanzania.

Featured partners

We are proud to collaborate with the following community partners who are eager to engage with UB faculty and students via virtual projects. As faculty develop specific offerings, they will be added to the ElN Project Portal and will be searchable by related tags and filters. 

Youth-Leader; Location: Berlin, Germany

Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS); Location: Bay Islands, Honduras

Ayomi Arts; Location: Ibadan, Nigeria

Future Leaders Empowerment Network (FLEN); Location: Ibadan, Nigeria

Primary Health Care and Health Management Centre (PriHEMAC); Location: Osun State, Nigeria

Kigali Genocide Memorial; Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Urukundo Learning Center and School; Location: Muhanga, Rwanda

Community Life Amelioration Organisation (CLAO); Location: Mwanza Tanzania

Enugu Smart Green Schools; Enugu, Nigeria

Community Volunteer Services Tanzania (CVS-Tanzania); Location: Ibadan, Tanga, Tanzania

Abukloi Foundation; Location: South Sudan

The Collaborative Center for Social Innovation; Location: Buffalo, NY

SUNY COIL Center ; Location: New York, USA

Africa Diabetes Alliance; Location: Kampala, Uganda

Batwa Pygmies Network; Location: Kanungu Uganda

Biringo Women's Development Association (BIWODA) ; Location: Kabale District, Uganda

Gender Tech Initiative-Uganda; Location: Gulu City, Uganda

Kyete Biingi Tai Nyeme-KBTN; Location: Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Mic Gum; Location: Gulu, Uganda

Solar Health Uganda (SHU); Location: Uganda

Support the Diabetics Organisation (SUTEDO), Uganda; Location: Gulu, Uganda

Umbrella for Journalists in Kasese (UJK); Kasese District, Uganda

Ecorestoration Alliance; Rochester NY (global)

Featured Opportunities

Getting started

 Interested faculty, researchers or graduate students can email Dr. Mara Huber, Senior Director of Instructional Innovation and Transformation, at mbhuber@buffalo.edu to set up a meeting to discuss project opportunities and design and assessment support.

Mara Huber

Senior Director Instructional Innovation and Transformation

5 Norton Hall

Phone: (716) 829-2834

Email: mbhuber@buffalo.edu