In October I joined the Consortium for Public Education (CFPE) team for the 2nd annual Student Sustainability Design Challenge (SSDC) at the Energy Innovation Center in Pittsburgh, PA. The event has expanded to 15 schools and two Career and Technology Centers spread across Western Pennsylvania. With more than 200 students and over 20 corporate, higher education and community partners in the program, the SSDC added a second kickoff event this year to accommodate rapidly growing student and teacher interest.
For this fall’s event I had the opportunity to not only document the event by taking photos, but I also participated in the Career Speed Dating activity. It was the first time that I had this opportunity. The kick-off includes a series of activities to introduce the concept of sustainability. Students begin to explore career paths that they might take and the where sustainability fits into a variety of careers. Each student has a chance to interact with three professionals, including me this year.
Acccording to the CFPE:
The SSDC represents a culmination of the Consortium’s many future ready initiatives, combining industry and post-secondary partnerships with a project-based learning approach, career exploration, and a focus on designing equitable solutions that support those in need.
The Consortium developed the program as a way to engage students actively in their education, inspiring a sense of agency, responsibility, and sense of purpose among young learners as they explore sustainability as a career path.
“When I came here today, I thought that sustainability was too big for someone like me,” remarked one student from South Fayette Township School District. “After talking to so many different adults, I realize that everyone can make a difference.”
Back at their schools (from now until the early spring months), each student team will select a challenge that aligns with one or more of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) in their own neighborhoods or schools and then apply the key elements of project-based learning to research, brainstorm, and develop solutions. Students will then share their projects in the spring to an audience of professionals.
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