CDEV Sustainability Jam Pilot

Fostering Future Skills

The School of Community and Health Studies (SCHS) collaborates with the Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (COIE) to bring experiential programming in the class to foster sustainable entrepreneurial mindset through learning modules of SDG Innovation Lab. 

The CDEV Sustainability Jam Pilot fosters future skills by engaging Community Development Work Program (CDEV) students in their learning journey through an experiential program working in teams using our learning modules of the SDG Innovation Lab, and create solutions to Centennial College campus challenges. 

It  is a four-session program to develop social business models, and present ideas to judges in a safe and facilitated environment – three of which are interactive workshops, while the fourth is a pitch presentation. It encourages collaborative problem-solving, promotes a holistic understanding of sustainability challenges and comprises following key elements.

The sessions are strategically scheduled within weeks 11 to 14 of the semester, each spanning 3 hours. Sessions 1 and 4 are conducted in person, while sessions 2 and 3 take place virtually through Zoom

 

 

Week 11 – Research and Ideation 

Wed, Nov 22 | 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.

Delivered In-Person 

Students are introduced to the Jam’s purpose and methodologies, gaining insights into problem-solving techniques. Teams are provided with an overview of the selected challenges and their contexts. The session involves exploring barriers, stakeholders, and potential solutions. Groups choose a critical problem, frame it using the “How Might We…” statement, and brainstorm innovative ideas.

 

 

Week 12 – Business Model/ Social Purpose Model Development

Wed, Nov 29, 2023 | 10:30 am -1:30 pm.

Delivered via Zoom

This session focuses on developing the Value Proposition and the Social Business Model Canvas and its application in building a Social business model for the chosen idea. Teams delve into planning, crafting a use case, and preparing initial pitch content.

 

Week 13 – Pitch Presentation Preparation

Wed Dec 6, 2023 | 10:30 am -1:30 pm     

Delivered via Zoom

Students refine their ideas through impactful storytelling and prepare compelling pitch presentations. Guest speakers provide insights into effective presentation skills. Participants craft pitch decks, scripts, and practice presentation skills, culminating in a polished pitch.

 

Week 14 – Pitch Presentation of Solution

 Wed Dec 13, 2023 |11:30 AM -2:30 pm 

Delivered in person

The final session features student groups presenting their innovative solutions to a panel of judges. Each team is allotted a brief presentation time, followed by judges’ questions and feedback. Winning ideas are selected based on their potential impact and feasibility. The session concludes with reflections on the program’s value for employment readiness.

Click here for a full report on our first Sustainability Jam.