17.4.3. Education for SDGs in the wider community

 Several key initiatives and educational outreach projects conducted by METU in 2025 map onto the THE Impact Rankings criteria for SDG 17 (Education for SDGs in the Wider Community):

1. Local Community Outreach

“Kompostla-Kodla” (Compost & Code) Project (May 5–9, 2025):

• Activity: Supported under TÜBİTAK 4004 and hosted at the METU Science and Society Center (TBM), this 5-day educational program brought in local school groups to combine hands-on environmental education (composting and waste reduction) with digital skills and coding.
• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Interactive Cyber Resilience Training for Youth (June 30 – July 4, 2025):

• Activity: Titled "Click & Learn, Stay Safe: Interactive Cyber Resilience Training for Youth" held on METU Campus for youth and local participants to improve digital literacy and online safety.
• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

METU Climate Action Plan Co-Design Workshop (June 13, 2025):

• Activity: Organized by the METU Center for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (METU CLIMATE), engaging internal and external community stakeholders to co-design local climate adaptation and campus sustainability goals.
• SDG Alignment: SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

2. Displaced People and Vulnerable Groups

Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025 Outreach (June 16–19, 2025):

• Activity: METU CLIMATE represented the university at GSDC 2025, presenting collaborative frameworks for inclusive climate education and societal impact initiatives that address vulnerable communities affected by climate change and displacement.
• SDG Alignment: SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Community Service & Inclusive Science Outreach Programs (Throughout 2025):

• Activity: Through METU’s Community Service courses and Science & Society Center, workshops and educational science exhibitions were organized in partnership with local municipalities to serve underprivileged school groups and visiting international academic cohorts.
• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

3. Alumni Engagement

METU Alumni Mid-Term Community & Educational Events (January 2025):

• Activity: METU hosted dedicated mid-term educational workshops and science center visits specifically structured for METU alumni and their families at the METU Science and Society Center, promoting lifelong learning and community engagement.
• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 (Quality Education).