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.

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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$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 awarded 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 to capture your impact made, learnings, and further development by 15 April 2026. The reflective piece can be in the language and media form of your choice (e.g. writing, video, drawing, etc.) Advising sessions are available to provide guidance and support as you prepare your reflection.

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 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 awarded to students who have completed at least 4 events by 31 January 2026.

* Eligible HKUST Connect organized events (unless otherwise stated) include the following:

1. 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
    
2. Participation in an endorsed development program does NOT count as an event.
    
3. If you are a student leader of any of the programs listed below in 2025-26, your participation can count as a maximum of 1 event:
   ⚬ 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 cash award.

Enquiry: connect@ust.hk