Two students to share Student Climate Action Leader $3,000 bursary

Posted on Monday, February 26th, 2024

On Friday, Feb. 23, two Algonquin College learners were each awarded aMale and female hold prize in front of living wall at Algonquin College $1,500 bursary for their winning submission in the CICan ImpAct Climate Challenge, recognizing exceptional student climate action leaders.

Michael Anderson, computer networking professor with the School of Advanced Technology, who championed participation in the competition, presented the award to Mohammad Zeeshan (photo, left) and Arkyn Kornell (photo, right). Kornell is a public relations student interning with Ontario Parks and Zeeshan is studying Global Supply Chain Management and integrating sustainability topics into Algonquin College curricula.

“With the recent talk of “climate anxiety”, what impressed the selection committee the most was the fact that each of the winners took actions upon themselves to be an active part of the solution in various ways – including in their studies, in their personal lives, and in their community,” said Scott Gonsalves, Director, Strategy and Planning, who organized the competition. “Their demonstration of leadership on climate action has, and will continue to, influence and inspire those around them and I’m proud that Algonquin College has been able to support them in this way.”

Algonquin College and the Algonquin Students’ Association are currently establishing a joint sustainability committee to lead, direct, and guide the College’s sustainability efforts through interdisciplinary engagement. The scope of the committee includes the coordination of all actions at Algonquin College that help progress the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as outlined by the United Nations.

“I’m very grateful to be recognized and this award will make it easier for me to pursue further education in environmental communication,” said Kornell. “Algonquin College has been instrumental in helping me grow as a person and the fact they want to improve, especially in sustainability, means a lot.”

“Winning the award was a truly humbling and exhilarating experience,” said Zeeshan. “It filled me with a sense of accomplishment and validation, knowing that my efforts in advocating for environmental sustainability were recognized and appreciated by others. It also reinforced my commitment to continue working towards a more sustainable future, not only for myself but for future generations as well.

Algonquin College recently won the CICan’s ImpAct-Climate Challenge, with the highest number of submissions in the large institution category.

About the Contest

Over six weeks, more than 2,100 entries from students, staff and faculty at 46 CICan member colleges and institutes were received. Four institutions distinguished themselves through their high levels of engagement in their respective size categories, earning them each a $3,000 bursary to honour a student climate leader from their college or institute.

What’s Next

The next round of the ImpAct-Climate Challenge is now open. Visit the ImpAct-Climate Challenge website to register and take part. From Feb. 14 to March 27, learn more about greenhouse gas emissions and share simple actions to make a difference.

Each week presents a new theme and challenge – from general emissions to waste and Indigenous stewardship. With every challenge accepted, the chances of winning are amplified – including a $3,000 bursary for a student climate leader on campus.

The contest is exclusive to students, staff, and faculty at CICan member colleges and institutes.


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