Funded by the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program Global Skills Opportunity (GSO), York University’s Go Global SDGs in Action Student Challenge aims to empower York students and their peers around the world to take action towards the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a global lens.
Through facilitated discussions, workshops, and immersive abroad opportunities, York students and their peers will develop global competencies, leadership, digital fluency, and project management skills necessary to take action on SDGs. This year’s SDGs in Action is focused on SDGs 2(Zero Hunger), 10(Reduced Inequality), 12(Responsible Consumption and Production) & 16(Peace and Justice Strong Institutions) with the overarching SDG 17(Partnerships to achieve the Goal).
Objectives
- Increase global learning opportunities for York students especially Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, and low-income, or students living with disabilities, to non-traditional destination countries (Asia, Latin America and Africa)
- Develop students’ intercultural communication, leadership, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, digital fluency and project management skills.
- Expand students’ knowledge of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and provide them an opportunity to contribute to the SDGs from any discipline of study.
- Increase awareness of SDGs by creating platform for knowledge sharing between York community and partner countries.
200+ students |
30+ mentors |
25+ student action projects |
Program Design
EXPLORE: Students will participate in workshops to build SDG knowledge and global competencies including concepts in international development, social change, grassroots movements, and community engagement. Every year the project will focus on 4 SDGs plus SDG17 which is relevant for each individual SDG.
ENGAGE: Student groups will plan and execute SDG community action advised by faculty mentors and supported by staff from project ideation, pitch and implementation.
EXEMPLIFY: At a Knowledge Fair, Students will showcase projects with the wider York community, Canadian peers and international partners. Students (student groups) share their learnings and experiences from the program.
EXPERIENCE: YorkU students go abroad to study, research, intern or visit communities and partners they’ve impacted through their SDG action projects. Learn more about study/work abroad opportunities.
GSO Funding
For York students, GSO funding places priority on supporting those who identify as Indigenous, come from low-income backgrounds, or live with disabilities. The amount of funding available will depend on the duration and location of your study, work, or research abroad, all of which will be tailored to align with your degree path and objectives. It's important to note that students who receive GSO funding are not eligible for other awards administered by York International. Additionally, please be aware that the funding can only be received once during your academic journey and to York students only.
For York University students who are eligible for the GSO funding, you can receive up to $8000 after your completion of this student challenge program.
- Short-term (~<4 weeks): CAD $2000
- Medium term (5-16 weeks): CAD $4000
- Long-term (17 weeks+): CAD $8000
Contact Us
goglobal@yorku.ca – Make sure to add ‘SDGs in Action 2023-24’ in the subject line.
Funded by the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program Global Skills Opportunity (GSO).
