QS ImpACT, a United Nations Environment Assembly-accredited global charity dedicated to empowering youth, is making waves with its initiatives dedicated to enabling youth to make a lasting change within their communities through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a focus on recognizing and rewarding youth who contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), QS ImpACT is revolutionizing the way young people engage and empower their local communities.
Since its inception, QS ImpACT has remained dedicated to fostering a global community of young leaders committed to making a difference. This is done by providing them with recognition opportunities through international scholarships and awards for their outstanding contributions to their communities, regardless of their background.
Partnering with Quacquarelli Symonds, a world-leading company in the education sector, QS ImpACT has solidified its position as a catalyst for change. Nunzio Quacquarelli, Founder & President of QS, emphasizes that “QS’ support for the QS ImpACT Charity is all about building 21st century skills in youth around the world through impactful activities in their communities and on university campuses.”
As highlighted in QS’ article ‘The 21st Century Skills Gap: What Role Should Higher Education Institutions Play?’, much of the discussion on the 21st century skills gap has underscored the importance of soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, motivation, and critical thinking in graduates.
Recognizing the 21st-century skills gap among students, universities are increasingly integrating the SDGs into their visions and strategies. QS ImpACT addresses this gap through initiatives like the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge (launched on 6th June 2024), which challenges youth teams from global universities and communities to design games that educate and empower their local communities on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a 2023 publication by the World Economic Forum, it was emphasized that higher educational institutions can contribute to the SDGs in various ways, leveraging their obvious strengths like education and research, but also their capacity to build communities, to influence people, and to engage these communities directly.
By partnering with institutions like the University of Exeter and Next Lab at Arizona State University, as well as industry experts from Unity and J.P Morgan, QS ImpACT aims to provide specialized training on SDG literacy, game design support, project management and design thinking, ensuring that participants of the Skills Challenge have the necessary tools and knowledge to make a meaningful impact through the challenge. The 2024 edition of the QS ImpACT Skills Challenge has over 270 student teams, coming from 55+ universities in 20+ countries.
Beth Eden, CEO of QS ImpACT, highlights the value of the Skills Challenge: “This is a one-of-a-kind unique challenge that allows young people from across the world to not only upskill themselves in game design but also enables them to use these skills for good by assessing and raising awareness of the SDGs in their local communities and campuses.”
The QS ImpACT Skills Challenge is not just a competition; it’s a platform for youth to combine upskilling with community empowerment. Participation is free of charge for all youth from universities around the world. The finalist teams and their respective universities will be spotlighted at the prestigious Reimagine Education Awards in December 2024 in London, akin to the “Oscars of education”, offering unparalleled recognition and prestige. The winner of the Skills Challenge will be declared at the QS ImpACT Awards in February 2025.
If your organization or university is interested in partnering or sponsoring the next edition of the Skills Challenge, we invite you to join our upcoming Call for Collaborations session on September 26, 2024. This session will provide detailed insights and opportunities for collaboration in the next round, sign up here!
Interested in joining the next Skills Challenge as a student / youth? Pre-register here!
For more information on QS ImpACT and its initiatives, visit https://qsimpact.org/