SENIOR AMBASSADORS

ABOUT THE SENIOR AMBASSADORS PROGRAM

SAGE Senior Ambassadors are a select group of currently enrolled international postgraduates from India and other countries. The 12-week hybrid STEP program held during the summer semester break offers an enriching, interdisciplinary experience for students by providing a comprehensive introduction to crucial sustainability topics including topics related to Clean Healthy Cities, Ecosystem Stewardship, and Regenerative Agriculture. 

During their hybrid training, students confront real-world problems by collaborating with consortium members, key stakeholders, and directly with communities, allowing them to observe how scientific principles interact with social factors. This immersive experience integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application to provide a holistic understanding of pressing sustainability issues within a systemic framework. This dynamic exchange of ideas and insights reinforces the program’s commitment to translating academic research into actionable solutions for real-world challenges and its commitment to Communities of Practice.

The hands-on approach of this program not only enhances participants' academic knowledge, but also cultivates their practical skills as they work on sustainability initiatives that require an interdisciplinary perspective. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to establish long-term collaborations with organisations worldwide that are passionate about sustainability, broadening their professional networks and preparing them to contribute meaningfully in their future careers. Through this program, SAGE Senior Ambassadors will emerge as informed advocates for sustainability, equipped to drive systemic change within their communities and beyond.

COURSE DESIGN

HYBRID CLASSES

Participants will engage in a series of online classes that cover foundational and advanced topics in sustainability. The online format promotes interaction and engagement, with opportunities for live discussions that encourage knowledge sharing among participants and with our experts. This approach not only deepens understanding but also fosters a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. By learning from renowned experts, participants will gain valuable knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to real-world sustainability challenges, equipping them to become effective advocates and leaders in their communities.

The 2 week in-person experiential learning component is critical for applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Students will participate in workshops and field trips that immerse participants in real-world sustainability issues being faced by communities we work with. This hands-on approach helps reinforce learning, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a sense of responsibility towards their communities.

HUMAN LIBRARY

Rather than a typical course reading list, we offer a human digital library where the books are the hearts and wisdom of our network members. Each book is an expert in their own field - be it a champion farmer, a scientist, an intrepid filmmaker, or a CEO. Readers reserve an online session based on titles created by our anonymous human books. Books can tell stories, host a Q&A, or give a presentation as is their preference. Readers are then asked to write a book report on the experience. This process is a unique method to digitally harness the enormous human capital of our network and allow readers to learn the human aspects of sustainability through oral history and storytelling. Further, readers learn to appreciate the importance of community engagement in sharing knowledge, which is crucial for the echo network’s ultimate goal to establish communities of practice.

RESOURCE REPOSITORY

The Okas platform serves as an extensive resource library, providing access to a wide range of research papers, articles, case studies, and multimedia resources. With user-friendly access guidelines and tutorials, students can efficiently navigate the platform to find relevant materials that support their research and learning objectives. This centralized resource fosters a culture of inquiry and research, encouraging students to delve deeper into sustainability topics and share their knowledge too. 

PERSONALISED FEEDBACK

Regular evaluations will be conducted throughout the program to assess student progress. These assessments will include classwork submissions and research reports.  Constructive feedback and check ins will be provided, allowing students to identify areas for improvement and celebrate their successes, fostering a growth mindset.

SHOWCASE

Students will have the opportunity to showcase their work at the mid of the program, presenting their research findings and project outcomes to peers, faculty, and industry professionals. This interactive format encourages dialogue, helping to refine research and enhance overall quality. Additionally, the event fosters networking opportunities, enabling participants to connect with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators. Ultimately, the Mid-Showcase promotes growth and community within the sustainability-focused research landscape.

Through these diverse and integrated components, the SAGE Senior Ambassadors program aims to create a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment that empowers students to become informed advocates for sustainability. By fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and practical skills, participants will be well-prepared to drive positive change in their communities and beyond, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.