A Sense of Giving Back: Sustainability Lens in a STEM Program

Experiential Learning, Sustainability Focus, and a Sense of Giving Back offer a critical intersection for innovative solutions, increasingly understood in the education sector. This study presents a novel approach to integrating sustainability into STEM education through volunteering and community-focused projects. Over a three-year period, we studied a program at a Canadian University’s Computer Science department and interviewed 26 participants. During this time, the program developed 24 projects involving 84 students, in collaboration with 16 non-profits and 25 industry-mentors. This sustained initiative enhanced STEM learning by tackling global challenges such as education, health, and community development in Canada and Nepal. The findings highlight key design elements and roles of volunteering for such initiatives that foster equitable, cross-cultural collaboration and sustainable community impact. The unique combination of digital solutions and local knowledge, coupled with a diverse network of digital volunteers, demonstrates the program design's significance in advancing both educational and social outcomes.