SUNY SDG Project Challenges

SUNY professors, staff and students have relationships with community organizations around the world, including those working on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are a collection of 17 interlinked objectives that serve as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.  They present as an urgent call to action and an opportunity to contribute through multi-stakeholder partnerships and engagement.

Since 2019, students at the University at Buffalo have been addressing the SDGs through virtual projects featuring collaboration with community-based organizations doing the work of sustainability and development around the world. Students make important contributions while building their own skills and competencies and integrating experiences with academic and professional goals.

Through a recent Instructional Innovation Technology Grant (IITG), The ELN is opening its SDG Project Challenges to students and faculty across the State University of New York system, adding new partners and challenges.

All projects will be completed virtually and students will earn digital badges upon completion.  

SDG Project Challenges are open to undergraduate students enrolled in a SUNY institution, from all majors and programs of study.

To be considered, students must demonstrate significant interest in working with the identified partner and a committment to dedicating 3 - 5 hours per week throughout the semester to complete their project. 

Projects are co-curricular but can be completed for course or department credit if arranged by student with their host institution. Such arrangements should be discussed with ELN staff.

Partners include leaders of organizations implementing development and sustainability projects within communities and ecosystems around the world. All partners have established relationships with SUNY faculty, staff or programs and are committed to engaging with students through collaborative projects.

Each Project Challenge has a designated mentor who will support students through their engagement. Additional mentors and content experts may be identfied by students or ELN team.

Project Challenges will begin in September and will follow the semester shedule. Interested students can email Mara Huber at mbhuber@buffalo.edu to set up a meeting to discuss project opportunities