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The Center for Catholic Studies

Seton Hall Launches 'Laudato Si’ Challenge' for Earth Week

Students gather outdoors

Students gather outdoors for a collaborative class session.

This spring, the Center for Catholic Studies in collaboration with the University Core launches the "Laudato Si’ Challenge: Interdisciplinary Solutions for Environmental Justice," a new undergraduate initiative commemorating the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.

The Challenge invites students from across all majors to form interdisciplinary teams of two to five and develop thoughtful, research-informed and practical responses to contemporary environmental challenges. Grounded in the principles of integral ecology and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, proposed projects may address issues such as climate change, environmental justice, sustainability, public health, food systems, energy or care for vulnerable communities.

Unlike single-day competitions, the Laudato Si’ Challenge provides students several weeks to research, collaborate and refine their proposals before presenting their work during Earth Week.

Presentation sessions will take place:

  • Tuesday, April 21: 11 a.m.–1:45 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 22: 12:30–3:15 p.m.

Faculty judges will evaluate projects based on intellectual depth, creativity, feasibility and alignment with the themes of Laudato Si’.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams:

  • First Place: $1,500
  • Second Place: $750
  • Third Place: $500

All participating students will receive certificates of recognition.

The initiative reflects Seton Hall University’s commitment as a Laudato Si’ Action Platform campus and advances the University’s mission to integrate faith, reason and service in response to the urgent challenges of our time. While the Challenge aligns especially well with Core II themes, participation is open to all undergraduate students.

Registration opens March 20 and closes April 8. Final project submissions are due April 17.

Full guidelines and registration details will be available on the Center for Catholic Studies website in the coming weeks.

For questions, please contact the Center for Catholic Studies at catholicstudies@shu.edu.

Categories: Faith and Service, Nation and World

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