SDG Project Challenges

SDG Project Challenges engage students with community partners who are doing the work of sustainable development around the world. Through virtual projects, students develop 21st century skills and competencies while making important contributions through project deliverables.

This innovative approach has been recognized by various awards and a book  Experiential Learning and Community Partnerships for Sustainable Development: A Foundational Model for Climate Action that will be released in August, 2024. 

UB faculty and graduate students are invited to engage with NGO partners to develop customized projects utilizing the ELN PEARL model and digital badges. Projects can be integrated within courses, majors, or minors and will feature engagement with featured partners facilitated by Dr. Mara Huber, Director of Teaching Innovation and Transformation and former director of the ELN. 

SDG Project Challenges can be developed to support diverse curricular formats including internships, project-based learning, study abroad, or research. SDG Project Challenges must 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.

We are proud to collaborate with the following community partners who are eager to engage with UB faculty and students via collaborative projects. As faculty develop specific offerings, they will be added to the 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)

 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.