Chapter 13: Urban Youth/International Scholars: Critical Solutions to Support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, Drexel University’s School of Education forged a partnership with the Science Leadership Academy (SLA) in Philadelphia and began the Drexel School of Education Student Research Fellows Program. The mission of the program was to provide a unique opportunity for local Philadelphia students to engage in an individual research project and to present their research at an international conference. Fellows selected topics of interest related to critical issues in need of solutions within urban communities. The issues they chose to investigate were aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. After a rigorous application process, five students were selected to participate in the program which spanned their Junior and Senior years of high school. The program culminated with each student presenting their final research paper at The International Conference on Urban Education in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Students also presented their research for the local community and their families in Philadelphia at the Drexel University Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships. Not only was the program focused on their development as scholars, but also their development as civically engaged global leaders. This chapter provides an overview of the program and includes the final papers of each youth scholar.