Empowering Future Leaders : Integrating CSR and Sustainability in Higher Education Through Community Engagement

Abstract

This paper introduces a process that aims to empower students as responsible global citizens by incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability into education through community-engaged learning. Established through a collaboration between a university lecturer and the Corvinus Science Shop, a university center for community engagement, this initiative evolved from nine semesters of BA-level experience with multiple community partners to an MA-level course that now also includes corporate support. This partnership enriches students’ ability to CSR project that can be implemented by the community partner, fostering skill development and encouraging positive attitudinal shifts toward complex societal issues. The course’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and continuous feedback loops ensure lasting impact and relevance to global sustainability.