Awards for Social Good

The Awards recognize students who demonstrate a strong commitment to positive change. The tiered structure empowers you to contribute in ways aligned with your preparedness and impact goals. Whether you are a beginner or have a proven track record, this program supports and celebrates your efforts to uplift the community. Apply for the award tier that best fits your aspirations and let's collectively build a more just, equitable and sustainable future.

Application opens on 1 Sep

Eligibility

Full-time degree-seeking HKUST undergraduate students.

• Interested students may submit their applications for the awards at any time on or before 15 April 2026 (Wed), regardless of whether they have completed the requirements or are in the process of fulfilling them.
• The awards will consider programs held between 16 April 2025 and 15 April 2026.
• Each student will receive a maximum of one award in the 2025-26 academic year.

Application deadline for endorsed programs:

Receive up to HK$1,000 if you

1. Participate in at least 8 events* organized by HKUST Connect
2. Submit a reflective piece to capture your experience by 15 April 2026. The reflective piece can be in the language and media form (e.g. writing, video, drawings) of your choice. Advising sessions are available.

An interim incentive will be given to students who have completed at least 4 events by 31 January 2026.

Receive up to HK$3,000 if you

1. Participate in at least 4 events* organized by HKUST Connect
2. Demonstrate good performance in one of the following endorsed development programs:
   ⚬ Reel Good
   ⚬ Service Learning Trips
   ⚬ Sew-cial Club

The award is subject to recommendation from the program advisors of the respective development programs based on the applicant’s overall engagement, awareness of the social needs, empathy, self-motivation, reflection, problem-solving, communication, creativity, and teamwork.

An interim incentive will be given to students who have completed at least 4 events by 31 January 2026.

Receive up to HK$10,000 if you

1. Participate in at least 4 events* organized by HKUST Connect
2. Demonstrate outstanding performance in one of the following leadership development programs:
   ⚬ Connect Ambassador for Community Engagement
   ⚬ Organizing Committee of Connect Service Learning Trip
   ⚬ Changemaker in Action: implement a student-initiated community project with a minimum of 20 staff-facilitated hours
3. Submit a personal narrative by 15 April 2026 to capture your impact made, learnings and further development. The reflective piece can be in the language and media form (e.g. writing, video, drawings) of your choice. Advising sessions are available.

The award is subject to recommendation from the program advisors of the respective leadership development programs based on the applicant’s overall engagement, awareness of the social needs, empathy, self-motivation, reflection, problem-solving, communication, creativity, teamwork, commitment and reliability, leadership, growth mindset, and overall project impact.

An interim incentive will be given to students who have completed at least 4 events by 31 January 2026.

* Eligible HKUST Connect organized events (unless otherwise stated) include the following. You are required to participate in BOTH types of events, as they provide diverse approaches to social good and will enrich your reflection writing:
⚬ Community services
⚬ Gear Up Training Series (GUTS): experiences, talks, and workshops

If you are part of any of the community engagement programs listed below, your participation will count as 1 event, regardless of the number of programs you are enrolled in:
⚬ SSCI MAGNET Peer Mentoring Program
⚬ SENG Peer Mentoring Program
⚬ SBM BCC Organizing Committee
⚬ SHSS Student Ambassador Program
⚬ AIS Student Ambassador Program
⚬ Community Builders Program

Results will be announced by the end of April, and Awards will be presented at a ceremony on 7 May 2026.

All awardees will receive a certificate and the corresponding financial award.

Enquiry: connect@ust.hk