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Bronco Challenge

What We Are : The Challenge is a co-curricular initiative in which students compete for prizes not grades.


The Bronco Challenge stands as a beacon of sustainable innovation at Western Michigan University, igniting in the Fall Semester of 2022. It’s not just an initiative; it's a transformative experience designed to empower students across all disciplines. This optional yet compelling co-curricular endeavor welcomes and challenge every WMU student to embark on a journey of sustainability-driven problem-solving.

Full-time students, from freshman through graduate, interdisciplinary teams of their own choosing to solve a problem which they select. Their specific charge is to develop and vet a bold, transformative idea for a product, a business, a service or a public policy that solves a global problem or issue embedded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Challenge opens the door for students to work on a problem that aligns with their passion.

 

Bronco Challenge News and Updates‥

( Recent developments pertinent to participation in the Bronco Challenge will be posted here )
 

 

WHAT'S THE CHALLENGE!?

 WHY THE CHALLENGE MATTERS!?

Envision this:
Teams of four students, driven by their own commitment, in a problem-solving journey through the academic year.

Their mission? To tackle real-world sustainability challenges head-on. These projects, inspired by the "United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs), serve as the foundation of the Bronco Challenge.

From tackling poverty to combatting climate change, each endeavor propels us closer to the future that's inclusive, fair & environmentally aware.

In a world brimming with "Wicked problems" the Bronco Challenge emerges as a beacon of hope.

It is a platform where students go beyond disciplinary boundaries, tackling complex issues with a diverse lens of expertise. This Challenge equips students with invaluable problem-solving skills coveted by recruiters worldwide.

As global citizens, WMU students recognize the urgency of this mission, eagerly seeking avenues to be catalysts for change within their academic journey.

 

Sustainability :

At its core, sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it is a call to action echoing from the book -Our Common Future. It is about reshaping our relationship with the planet and securing a harmonious co-existence for future generations. The Sustainable Development Goals serve as our compass, guiding each & every project towards impactful solutions. Ranging from clean water to climate action, these goals outline the blueprint for a better tomorrow. But it's not just about achieving targets; Also, valuing diverse perspectives in every outcome.

 

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Presentation on sustainability topic.

 

What are UN-SDGs?

The United Nations issued the Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) in 2015 as a framework for organizing discussion and tracking progress toward global sustainability. There are 17 goals covering things like ending poverty, stopping climate change, and making sure everyone has enough food & clean water. They're a way for countries and people all over the world to team up and tackle huge problems together. As intended, The Goals have been widely adopted by businesses and governments worldwide as a framework for framing sustainability initiatives.

 

Overview of All 17 SDGs Topics :


Embark on a journey towards a sustainable future with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each goal represents a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a world of prosperity, equality, and environmental stewardship.

Here's a snapshot of what each goal entails: 
Click on each goal to discover its significance and explore actionable steps towards a sustainable world.

No Poverty
  Eradicate poverty in all its forms, ensuring no one is left behind.
 
Zero Hunger
  Secure access to nutritious food and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
 
Good Health & Well Being 
  Ensure healthy lives and well-being for all, at every stage of life.
 
Quality Education 
  Provide inclusive and quality education to empower individuals and communities.
 
Gender Equality
  Champion gender equality and empower all women and girls.
 
Clean Water and Sanitation 
  Ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all, promoting hygiene and sustainability.
 
Affordable and Clean Energy 
  Promote renewable energy sources and ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
 
Decent Work and Economic Growth 
  Foster inclusive economic growth, full employment, and decent work for all.
 
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 
  Build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation for sustainable development.
 
Reduced Inequality 
  Reduce inequalities within and among countries, ensuring inclusivity and equity.
 
Sustainable Cities and Communities 
  Create sustainable and resilient cities, ensuring access to basic services and a safe environment.
 
Responsible Consumption and Production 
  Promote sustainable consumption and production patterns to minimize waste &  environmental impact.
 
Climate Action 
  Take urgent action to combat climate change & its impacts, protecting our planet for future generations.
 
Life Below Water 
  Conserve and sustainably use marine resources, preserving ocean ecosystems and biodiversity.
 
Life on Land 
  Protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, promoting sustainable land use & biodiversity conservation.
 
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 
  Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice and strong institutions.
 
Partnerships to Achieve the Goals 
  Strengthen global partnerships for sustainable development, mobilizing resources & collective action.

Let's unite in our efforts to build a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
 

Seize the opportunity:


Are you passionate about making a difference? Then buckle up, Broncos! The Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact is your chance to tackle real-world problems and craft innovative solutions for a better tomorrow.

ASSEMBLE YOUR DREAM TEAM OF SUSTAINABILITY WARRIORS.
BECOME A CHANGE CATALYST – THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!
MAKE YOUR MARK - SHOWCASE YOUR GROUNDBREAKING PROJECT TO THE WORLD.
EMPOWER YOUR IDEAS

The Bronco Challenge is more than a competition; it's a springboard for your sustainability journey. Join us, and become a leader in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and environmentally conscious future.


How will the Challenge work?


The Challenge is open to all full-time WMU students in all majors and all levels from freshman thru postgraduate. To participate in the Challenge, students must:

 

  • Work in self-selected teams that contain 4 people that collectively represent expertise in at least two, and desirably three, disciplines
  • Be Enrolled for both Fall and Spring semesters
  • Design a project that solves a problem or that mitigates an issue defined by one or more of the SDGs for which the team members share a passion.


Prize money:


Get ready to turn your innovative ideas into reality! At the Bronco Challenge, not only do you get to propose solutions with the potential to impact local and global communities, but you also stand a chance to win big. With a total prize pool of $19,000 generously contributed by corporate sponsors & the University, the rewards are as impressive as the projects themselves.

 

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The winner of the 2023-24 Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact

Winners stand to secure substantial financial gains:
(Teams will share the awards equally among their members. So, let your innovative ideas shine and grab your share of the prize money!)

First Place Team: $10,000.
Second Place Team: $6,000
Third Place Team: $3,000
 

Steps to success :

Competitors follow guidelines in the 2024-25 Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact Student Playbook.

STUDENT PLAYBOOK

 

Event:

  • Networking Event, September 26, 2024 -  Bronco Challenge networking event, to which all fulltime students are invited, will be held in the Student Center Ballroom.
Bronco Challenge Networking Event

Contact :

The Bronco Challenge Leadership team will be available to meet with teams or individuals to provide guidance and assistance in finding a team, recruiting team members, selecting a project, etc.

Contact Professor Neil Drobny, PhD with any questions: @email
 

 

Matching Tool

Welcome to the Bronco Matching Tool! This tool helps you find or join teams for the Bronco Challenge.
 
For Students looking to join a team :

Browse the list of team requests. Each request shows the team's contact information and the skills they are looking for.

For Teams looking for students :

Browse the list of student profiles. Each profile shows the student's contact information, major, SDGs of interest and skillsets.

 

                                            

Click below to explore other Bronco Challenge pages.

Social Media profiles :)

thebroncochallenge thebroncochallenge