Students, Recent Alums Invited to Win Funds, Recognition for Global Impact Projects

The Do Good Institute and Office of International Affairs encourage students and recent alumni to apply by Feb. 5 to serve as a UMD nominee for the international Universitas21 (U21) RISE Showcase and Awards.

Now in its second year, U21 RISE (Real Impact on Society & Environment) aims to showcase student achievement in sustainability and social innovation around the world.

RISE welcomes current projects that focus on global challenges such as affordable and clean energy, gender equality, quality education, or clean water and sanitation, as outlined by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UMD is one of 27 members of the U21 network, which brings together research-intensive universities from six continents to exchange knowledge and perspectives. Each U21 member institution is invited to nominate student-led projects based on an aspect of the UN SDGs. Current students and recent graduates (December 2018 or later) are eligible to apply. For details on what types and stages of projects qualify, see the U21 RISE guidelines.

Selected projects will win a $500 Do Good Institute mini-grant and $500 in Office of International Affairs project funding, and will serve as UMD nominees in the U21 RISE Showcase and Awards. There, they will become eligible to win one of four U21 prizes valued at over $2,000 each and gain access to a global network of supporters.

Up to three UMD nominees may be selected; a fourth may be included if the nominated project has been created in collaboration with a U21 partner institution. All nominees will be required to submit a video about their project for the U21 Showcase, with feedback from the Do Good Institute and the Office of International Affairs.