VCU School of Education team advances to finals of the 2024 Global Sustainability Challenge

By Laura O'Brien

The team from Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education, along with international partners, has been named a finalist in the 2024 Global Sustainability Challenge, a competition designed to inspire and empower students to tackle the impact of climate change within their local and global communities.

John Fife, Ph.D., director of the School of Education's CISTEME - the Center for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education - and associate professor of STEM education in the Department of Foundations of Education, and doctoral student Margaret Gatongi partnered with colleagues from São Paulo State University in Brazil and Colorado State University-Pueblo to submit a proposal that earned the team its finalist spot.

The proposal focuses on coastal ecosystems, emphasizing community engagement and project-based research. The innovative approach is designed to immerse students in real-world climate action initiatives, fostering a new generation of informed and proactive leaders in sustainability.

As finalists, the VCU-led team has won an all-expenses-paid trip to Rome to participate in the prestigious CIEE Study Abroad Conference in early November. The conference, presented by the Council on International Educational Exchange, provides a significant platform for the team to present its work and compete for $250,000 in scholarships. The winning team will also serve as consultants to implement the program in over 25 cities.

"This international recognition highlights the VCU School of Education's commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative and collaborative educational initiatives," said Katheen Rudasill, Ph.D, interim dean of the school. "Being named a finalist in the Global Sustainability Challenge underscores our team's dedication to preparing the next generation of leaders to take meaningful action on climate change."

The CIEE, founded in 1947, is the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to intercultural education and exchange. It has equipped thousands of individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate a globally interconnected and culturally diverse world through its robust exchange programs.

The Global Sustainability Challenge called upon participants to devise innovative study abroad programs that prepare the next generation of environmental advocates and change-makers. The proposals needed to present a portfolio of immersive, hands-on study abroad experiences that deepen understanding of climate change and its effects on diverse ecosystems and communities.

"Our team is thrilled to be named a finalist in this global challenge," Fife said. "It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase our commitment to creating transformative educational experiences that not only deepen students' understanding of climate issues but also empower them to become active participants in solving these global challenges."

The mission of CISTEME, one of nine centers at the VCU School of Education, is to ignite student curiosity through engaging with concepts and ideas that address current and future challenges in STEM, with a vision to reach the "missing millions" by empowering students - particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds - to participate in transformative, high-impact STEM learning experiences.

Fife also leads a grant funded by a National Science Foundation/GRANTED Project to inform the design of a regional research ecosystem. This ecosystem aims to transform the research enterprise through coordinated efforts, collaborative partnerships and enhanced research sharing among emerging and minority-serving universities and community partners.