Co-creating change: community-engaged Work-Integrated Learning for sustainable development in higher education

Mary Papakosmas; Mercedez Hinchcliff

doi:10.21153/jtlge2026vol17no2art2435

Authors

Dr Mary Papakosmas University of Wollongong https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0052-220X
Dr Mercedez Hinchcliff University of Wollongong https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3062-4039

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21153/jtlge2026vol17no2art2435

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-case study of how community-based Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) can meaningfully embed Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) education into undergraduate curricula. Drawing on four marketing and public relations subjects, we examine how the deliberate alignment of authentic industry and community challenges with specific SDGs creates learning contexts that develop professional competencies alongside sustainability mindsets. Across the four cases, community partners are positioned as co-educators within a three-way partnership model involving students, educators, and industry, enabling a form of knowledge co-creation that neither classroom instruction nor community engagement alone can replicate. Examining the design, delivery and outcomes of each case, we identify three features that account for their effectiveness: the explicit mapping of partner challenges to relevant SDGs, the positioning of partners as co-educators rather than clients, and the achievability of meaningful SDG integration within existing curriculum structures. We argue that these features constitute transferable design principles for educators across disciplines seeking to enhance both graduate employability and societal impact, and we consider the pedagogical and institutional conditions under which they can be sustained and scaled.

Author Biographies

Dr Mary Papakosmas, University of Wollongong

Dr Mary Papakosmas is a Senior Lecturer in Public Relations at the University of Wollongong. Her teaching and research focus on applied Work-Integrated Learning, community engagement, and education for sustainability. Her scholarship of teaching and learning includes leadership in developing innovative curriculum frameworks that embed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and authentic industry experiences. Her research also explores strategies for enhancing student learning, employability and professional capability, preparing graduates to thrive in complex workplaces.
Dr Mercedez Hinchcliff, University of Wollongong

Dr Mercedez Hinchcliff is Deputy Dean (Education) in the Faculty of Arts, Society and Business at the University of Wollongong. Her research centres on advancing educational quality through curriculum innovation, career readiness, and authentic learning experiences that equip graduates with skills needed for contemporary workplaces. With expertise across higher education and marketing, she examines participation and equity in educational and sporting contexts, as well as fostering meaningful learning experiences that connect students, industry, and communities.

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