CCEL’s Grants Project Library contains reports and infographics documenting the social impact work conducted by students in partnership with community organizations that CCEL Grants have funded. We hope this resource is helpful as a database to support and inspire further work around community-rooted social justice, equity and access issues. Read about examples of project topics here.
-
BREAKING DOWN LANGUAGE BARRIERS AND EXPANDING RESEARCH DIVERSITY
Despite Canada’s embrace of multiculturalism, language barriers remain a common experience, compromising one’s fundamental autonomy, voice, and rights. By offering accessible translation services and eing integrated in both healthcare and research, this project sought to advance health equity in British Columbia and improve the health outcomes for under-served, minority, and other marginalized communities.
UBC Student Project Lead: Riya Virdi and Lynda Li
Community Partner: Provincial Health Services Authority
Grant Type: Chapman & Innovation Grant
Year of Publication: 2025
Topic: Inclusive Representation of Research Participants, Social Advocacy, Healthcare Access, Translation Services
Keywords: Language Accessibility, Research Representation, Overcoming Barriers to Healthcare
Population: Non-English Speakers From Underserved and Minority Populations
-
A PATH TO WELLNESS: NEWCOMER YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
The Path to Wellness Project aimed to address significant gaps in mental health support for newcomer youth in British Columbia, a group uniquely vulnerable to the challenges of displacement and resettlement. Recognizing the critical need for accessible and culturally informed mental health resources, the project took a holistic approach by combining education, community-building, and direct professional support.
UBC Student Project Lead: Nikolay Alabi
Community Partner: BC Newcomers Association
Grant Type: Chapman & Innovation Grant
Year of Publication: 2025
Topic: Mental Health, Newcomer Youth, Lived Experiences
Keywords: Conversation Circles, Mental Health Literacy, Emotional Well-being, Migration Experiences
Population: Newcomer Youth
-
COOKING UP STEAM IN RURAL BRITISH COLUMBIA WITH FLAVOURFUL SCIENCE
This project successfully delivered engaging, hands-on workshops to rural schools in British Columbia, addressing critical educational gaps in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Recognizing that rural students face significant barriers to accessing STEAM education—including limited resources, geographic isolation, and reduced exposure to STEAM career pathways. This project aimed to bridge these gaps and inspire the next generation of thinkers and innovators.
UBC Student Project Lead: Brian Ma
Community Partner: Flavourful Science
Grant Type: Chapman & Innovation Grant
Year of Publication: 2025
Topic: STEAM, Educational Outreach, Youth Engagement
Keywords: Rural Communities, Interactive Workshops, STEAM Education
Population: Youth in Rural Communities
-
BELLA BELLA PHYLO(MON) DIGITAL CARD GAME
Indigenous knowledge, defined as “an ancient, communal, holistic and spiritual knowledge that encompasses every aspect of human existence” (Brascoupé and Mann, 2001), plays a crucial role in shaping one’s self-identity, a community’s uniqueness, and connection with the world (Harbord et al., 2022). This project aims to safeguard Indigenous knowledge and facilitate its transmission through culturally sensitive interventions (Panofsky et al., 2021). The game utilizes the open-source Phylo(mon) framework, featuring a deck of cards that highlight the region’s biodiversity, language, and cultural elements. Developed in consultation with Heiltsuk elders, teachers, and community members, the game ensures cultural relevance and sensitivity.
UBC Student Project Lead: CC Liang
Community Partner: Learning Buddies Network
Grant Type: Chapman & Innovation Grant
Year of Publication: 2025
Topic: Indigenous Knowledge, Card Game, Community-Engaged Learning
Keywords: Indigenous Culture, Educational Outreach, Culturally Sensitive Frameworks
Population: Youth, Indigenous Communities
-
SEEDS OF HOPE
For many, living in an urban area comes at the expense of developing a meaningful relationship and connection with nature. To raise consciousness and plant seeds of connectedness, garden workshops and community gatherings were held to empower youth in the Guilford community to cultiavte a personal and reciprocal relationship with nature.
UBC Student Project Lead: Kiara Ehsani
Community Partner: Local Spiritual Assembly of Surrey
Grant Type: Connect 2 Community Grant
Year of Publication: 2025
Topic: Youth Workshops, Community Gatherings, Relationship with Nature, Community-Building
Keywords: Connection, Nature Stewardship, Youth Education, Climate and Sustainability
Population: Youth