Global Sustainability Challenge - CIEE Study Abroad Conference

2024 Global Sustainability Challenge

Climate change is a global problem that requires international collaboration on solutions. Help CIEE prepare the next generation of environmental advocates and changemakers by proposing a suite of best-in-class study abroad programs that will inspire and empower students to address the impact of climate change within their local and global communities.

CIEE seeks proposals collaboratively designed by researchers, faculty, and/or staff from at least two different universities outlining a comprehensive portfolio of immersive study abroad experiences that foster a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts on various ecosystems and communities.

Finalists win a trip to Rome for a live “pitch event.” Grand prize winners share $250,000 in student scholarships!

Sustainabilty Challenge Finalists

We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2024 Global Sustainability Challenge. After receiving extraordinary and innovative submissions proposing a suite of best-in-class study abroad programs that inspire and empower students to address the impact of climate change within local and global communities, our selection committee has chosen the following group of outstanding finalists whose contributions promise to shape the future of climate change in the context of global education:

The University of Pittsburgh and Miami Dade College proposal will focus on online learning in collaboration with NGOs on topics such as biodiversity conservation, urban sustainability, global health, and technology.

Oksana Stalczynski, Director of Global Experiences and Engagement, University of Pittsburgh
Samila Sosic, Executive Director of International Education, Miami Dade College
Joe Alter, Director of the Asian Studies Center and Professor of Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh
Estefania Olai, Student, Miami Dade College

Stetson University and Bethune-Cookman University proposal will focus on bridging the fields of media, journalism, and environmental science.

Olena Kolupayeva, Assistant Professor of Journalism, Stetson University
Sarah Krejci, Associate Professor/QEP Director, Bethune-Cookman University
Parisa Ebrahimbabaie, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, Bethune-Cookman University
Chaylin Harris, Undergraduate Student, Stetson University

Virginia Commonwealth University, Sao Paulo State University, and Colorado State University at Pueblo proposal will focus on coastal ecosystems, community engagement, and project-based research fieldwork.

John Fife, Associate Professor of STEM Education, & Director of the Center for Innovation in STEM Education, Virginia Commonwealth University
Tania Marcia Costa, Associate Professor, UNESP, São Paulo State University
Margaret Gatongi, Doctoral Student at VCU, Virginia Commonwealth University
Jason Scott, Assistant Professor, Colorado State University-Pueblo

These finalists represent the diverse perspectives and innovative ideas that will undoubtedly help us shape a comprehensive portfolio of immersive study abroad experiences that foster a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts on various ecosystems and communities.

Join us in Rome as these finalists share their proposals during our “pitch event” to a panel of judges and conference attendees on November 8!

Help CIEE Lead Change in a Changing Climate

In a 500-word proposal and 5-minute video, each team should describe a study abroad program portfolio that will:

- Expose students to the complex intersection of climate science, research, history, economics, politics, and the cultural implications of threats to our environment

- Encompass a diverse range of programs, enabling students from all backgrounds and academic majors to gain knowledge about the science and solutions essential for fostering a more sustainable and peaceful world

- Include program locations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East

Proposals should include scalable study abroad experiences, collaboratively designed by two different U.S. universities, tailored for college students to focus on climate change in various international contexts.

Click the button for more details and to submit your propsoal.

Objectives

To create immersive study abroad experiences that foster a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts on various ecosystems and communities.
To facilitate meaningful partnerships among CIEE and our partner universities to collaboratively address climate change around the world.
To develop scalable program models that can be replicated in multiple countries, catering to the diverse needs and contexts of college students.
To empower students to become effective advocates and change-makers in addressing climate change within their local and global communities.

Timeline

Proposal Submission Deadline: September 20
Notification of Selected Proposals: September 27
Conference “Pitch Event”: November 8 in Rome, Italy

Prizes

Three finalist teams will receive a trip to Rome, Italy, for the annual CIEE Study Abroad Conference on November 6-8, 2024; travel includes round-trip economy flight, conference hotel accommodations for two nights, and conference registration (which covers most meals). Finalists will present their proposal in a “pitch event” to a panel of judges and conference attendees on Friday, November 8.

The winning team will receive a $250,000 scholarship pool for their students to attend any one of CIEE’s existing or new global programs related to climate, the environment, and sustainability in 2025-2026. The winning team will be asked to serve as consultants as we engage in new program development this coming year.

Proposal deadline is September 20, 2024.

Team Eligibility

Researchers, faculty, and/or staff representing at least two different U.S. higher education institutions who have expertise in climate change research, environmental science, sustainability studies, study abroad, or related fields.
Must include at least one student and at least one faculty member.
Should have a maximum of four members.
May also include a representative from higher education institutions outside of the US, or a non-governmental or community-based organization.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Each team must include a mix of professionals working in different aspects of climate change and at least two from a U.S. college or university. Teams may not include other third-party providers.
To be considered, all team member names (this includes the Team Captain) must be listed on the Team Registration form. Teams will have the opportunity to apply up until the deadline.
During registration, teams are asked to provide additional information, including institutional affiliations, team member locations, areas of expertise, etc. Teams will be selected to create a competition filled with diverse voices and to optimize representation across institutions and geographies.  
All participants must be able to present in Rome in the Conference Round if they are selected as finalists. We understand that due to extenuating circumstances, team rosters may need to change. Teams may update their roster until September 20. No further changes to team rosters will be allowed after September 20.  
If a team member is unable to travel to Rome with their team, the team can still compete without them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know My Proposal Was Received?

Once you’ve completed the proposal submission process, you’ll receive a confirmation email from [email protected]. If you don’t receive your confirmation email, please check your spam filters and junk folders. If you’re still unable to locate the message, please contact the conference team toll-free at (207) 533-4000 or by email at [email protected].

What Should I Do If I Need To Update A Proposal That Has Already Been Submitted?

Please contact [email protected] with the update that needs to be made.

When Will I Hear If My Proposal Has Been Accepted?

Accepted submissions will be notified by September 27, 2024.

How Will I Hear If My Proposal Has Been Accepted?

Notifications of acceptance will be emailed from [email protected] to the individual who submitted the proposal. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Is there a portfolio or web link of previous proposal ideas?

This is the first time we are hosting this challenge, so we do not have a portfolio or web link of previous proposal ideas. We are excited to see the innovative ideas and solutions that participants will bring to this inaugural event!

What does 'serve as consultants' mean in the Prizes section of the Call for Proposals page?

The winning team will be available for us to contact with additional questions about their proposal following the event. It also includes discussing opportunities for further collaboration on program development. This involvement allows us to work closely with the winning team to refine and potentially implement their ideas in new program initiatives.

Are only U.S. universities eligible to participate?

Winners of the Global Sustainability Challenge receive scholarships towards their students participating on CIEE programs, which are typically students from US institutions with approval agreements in place with CIEE. As an institution outside of the U.S., please include a statement as to how you intend to utilize the scholarships via institutional approval of CIEE programs, including credit transfer, and whether this is feasible for your institution and your students.