Engage for Change

Make sustainable change at the University and tackle the climate crisis
In person (with options for remote training)
Around four hours a week, for eight weeks in Easter term.
No experience needed

What is Engage for Change

Engage for Change is an 8-week project incubation and training programme for Cambridge University students to enhance their skills, confidence and awareness of environmental sustainability. On the programme, students attend weekly training sessions and implement individual projects related to sustainability on campus.

Previous projects have included influencing course curriculum, minimising food waste in College dining halls, reducing operational carbon emissions, switching from single use plastic to reusable tupperware and influencing positive behaviour change amongst peers.

The programme will benefit your engagement with the world around you, wellbeing and key skills such as confidence, project management, resilience, leadership and teamwork. You will also develop professional skills and gain a better understanding of sustainability and making change.

“The program and the personal project definitely had a very
positive influence on my course and career…. I have become
more aware of sustainability as a component in urban
planning and design.”
Helen, Engage for Change participant and University of Cambridge Masters student

FAQ

How will I benefit from Engage for Change?

There are loads of benefits for you if you get involved with Cambrdge Hub. These include:

Making sustainable change at the University. You can make a difference and have real change in the face of the climate challenge.
Have the opportunity to build friendships with students from different year groups, degrees and colleges.
You will develop key skills including teamwork, sustainability development, leadership, resilience and confidence. This will be supported by the professional training you receive and the support you get throughout your experience.

Is this programme accessible to my needs?

We’ve assessed the accessibility of all our opportunities and are able to discuss these with you prior to you starting the programme, this includes any reasonable adjustments we can make. All accessibility information will also be sent to you prior to the programme as standard. If you have any questions about accessibility, or want to make request a reasonable adjustment, please reach out to us at info@cambridgehub.org. Some examples of reasonable adjustments we can offer include:

Making sure there is seating with no arms
Receiving print outs for trainings
Extra time to complete activities in sessions, as you would get in exams

I’ve not been involved in social action before. Who can I speak to for more information and support?

Our activities are all open for everyone so if you’ve not been involved in social action before, or you’re apprehensive about getting involved, reach out to us at info@cambridgehub.org. All of our opportunities practice a safe space policy meaning they are supportive, non-judgemental and always willing to listen.

I’ve just applied, when will I hear from you regarding my place on the programme?

We will be in touch soon after you submit your application to arrange an interview and tell you more about the programme.

What training will I receive?

In order to support you to be confident as a student consultant we deliver comprehensive training covering:

Project Management
Leadership
Research and analytics
Problem solving skills
Sustainability in practice
Report writing
Presentation skills

I am nervous about applying, where can I get support?

It’s natural to feel nervous when you try new things, but don’t let you put that off. If you want to talk to a member of our team before applying or attending a session you can email them. Or if you’re not sure who to speak to email info@cambridgehub.org and we’ll get back to you.

Some things we recommend often include applying to the programme with a friend – you could sign up together and may come to the same cohort so that you’ll have a friendly face. Alternatively, you could arrange to meet a member of our team before a session so that you get to know each other 1-1 and can travel together. We’ll work together to find a solution which supports you to get involved, whatever that may be.

How much time am I expected to dedicate to this programme?

Engage for Change is an eight week programme. Each week you will be expected to attend a 90 minute session, and do independent work on your project. The recommended minimum time commitment is 4 hours a week (including the 90 minute session), but this may vary depending on your project and the stage it’s at. If you are concerned about commitment and have further questions, please contact us at info@cambridgehub.org.