The Sheridan College is inviting applications for its Reimagine Learning and Education in our Communities challenge that requires your voice, experience and ideas. Improving access to learning and educational opportunities means helping everyone realize their potential. It is foundational for improving lives and fostering sustainable development.

To confront the challenge of reimagining learning and education, they must acknowledge that the ways and things they learn, and their intended outcomes – as well as who makes these decisions – have direct and long-term impact in all areas of society.

The challenge is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which are designed to ensure that no one is left behind. The Goals emphasize the interrelated impacts of changes within society, the economy and the environment.

The challenge is structured to put people at the heart of the solution-finding process. Through active, inclusive community engagement they will garner ideas based on the experiences of participants and co-create solutions that are sparked at the local level and have potential for national and global impact.

Challenge Stages

The challenge takes place in three stages – Inspiration, Ideation, and Iteration.

• Stage 1 - Inspiration (Nov. 18, 2020 – Jan. 8, 2021)
  • During this stage, the challenge wants to hear about applicants experiences with learning and education. What challenges and opportunities do you see in the way education is happening right now? What insights can you share? Their goal is to identify some of the key issues you have faced or observed in education, which they will then tackle during the next stages of the challenge.
  • To get started, create a team of two (2) to five (5) members. Next, you can begin uploading what you want to contribute.  Within one submission you can include:
    • Writing (up to 500 words)
    • Images (up to 10, in .jpeg or .png format)
    • A video or audio recording (up to three mins in length)
    • Some combination of the above
• Stage 2 – Ideation (Jan. 25 to Mar. 12, 2021)
  • During this stage, you will start developing ideas about how they can solve the challenges identified during the Inspiration stage.
  • Create or join a team of two (2) to five (5) members (if you don’t already have one). Each team is asked to present their idea and clearly describe their concept in a five to ten-slide PowerPoint using the presentation template, which will be provided on the platform at the beginning of the ideation stage. Teams can also submit any other documents that illustrate their idea.
  • Here are some guiding questions to help you prepare your submissions:
    • How can address the inequities that prevent people from flourishing?
    • How can ensure that all youth and adults throughout communities reach their full potential?
    • How can ensure that learning and education is a driver of sustainable social, economic, and environmental development within communities?
    • How can learning and education best contribute to building resilient communities?
    • How can offer a new approach to learning and education that is based on humanity and holistic development?
• Stage 3 – Iteration (Mar. 29 - May 7, 2021)
  • Up to 25 teams will move on to the third stage. During this stage, your team will be supported by our mentors to further develop your idea. They will also provide you with resources, inspiration and other input to help you build a successful project.
  • Deliverables for this stage will include a 10 to 20-slide presentation outlining the project in detail.

Award Information

• Inspiration prizes:
  • $10,000 in prizes are available in the Inspiration stage. Teams are eligible to win one of three $2,000 prizes or one of four $1,000 prizes.
  • Winners will be selected by a combination of jury evaluation and public votes.
• Challenge winners:
  • Five (5) winning teams will receive $10,000 each.
  • Winners will be selected by a combination of jury evaluation and audience members.
• Bonus prize:
  • One (1) team composed entirely of Sheridan students will receive $2,500.
  • The winner will be selected by the jury.

Eligibility Criteria

This Challenge is open and offered solely to:

• Canadian citizens or individuals residing in Canada. Any individual residing in Canada or with a Canadian citizenship that is aged eighteen (18) years and/or over with full legal capacity. If the participant is a minor, you must provide this authorization signed by a parent or guardian in the name of the minor.
• All the documents that may confirm the Participant’s eligibility will be required prior to awarding any prizes (e.g. identity document, student card, etc.).
• This Challenge is not open to: Agorize employees and members of their families.
• This Challenge is void in countries where it is prohibited or restricted by law.

For more information, visit Sheridan.