Research Summary: Engineering a sustainable future: the impact of service-learning on technical knowledge and civic responsibility in STEM higher education

A pilot evaluation of the EDUSTEM framework, a service-learning approach for integrating sustainability into STEM higher education, indicates potential in developing both technical knowledge and civic responsibility among students. This initiative aligns with the broader call for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and higher education institutions' 'Third Mission' of community engagement.

Why it matters

Integrating sustainability and civic responsibility into STEM education is critical for developing a workforce capable of addressing global environmental and societal challenges. This approach enhances the relevance of higher education by aligning academic programs with societal needs and institutional missions, preparing graduates for future demands.

Key insights

• Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) mandates higher education institutions (HEIs) to cultivate competencies for addressing sustainability challenges.
• HEIs are expected to fulfill a 'Third Mission' encompassing community engagement and societal development.
• The EDUSTEM framework is a service-learning approach designed to integrate sustainability-oriented learning into STEM education.
• The framework utilizes interdisciplinary, community-based learning experiences.
• A small, exploratory pretest-post-test pilot evaluation involved 50 undergraduate STEM students and pre-service teachers.
• The study was conducted at a major technical university, using a mixed-methods design without a control or comparison group.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1922589