Frequently Asked Questions

The GreenHouse community takes action on issues they care about. Participants in our two programs are motivated by curiosity, lived experiences, and a shared belief that they can contribute to a just society and thriving planet. Our community finds profound purpose contributing to social and environmental causes. They take action through community, volunteerism, work-integrated learning opportunities, and building their own ventures. The impact of engaging with GreenHouse starts within one’s mindset and ripples outwards around the globe. Meaningful relationships, strengthened skills, and deepened knowledge are just some of the compelling outcomes that lead students to be part of our energizing community that encourages people to take risks and be bold in their actions for positive change! 

What is the difference between Changemaker Labs and Social Innovators in Training?

GreenHouse offers two programs, Changemaker Labs and Social Innovators in Training. 

If you are interested in making a meaningful impact in the local community and would like to work on a community challenge with other students and community members, Changemaker Labs is for you!

If you have your own specific interests and idea(s) and you want to take action on them but need support in getting started, Social Innovators in Training is for you!

What does the programming look like for Changemaker Labs?
Changemaker Labs (CL) for Green Youth is a program to drive climate action and advance Canada’s transition to net zero by 2050! Our vision is that you will engage in skill development and networking while taking meaningful action in municipal climate efforts.

• Changemaker Labs runs multiple climate-focused activities every term.

• Each activity stream focuses on climate action; through hands-on learning, innovation challenges, ‘hackathons’, socials, and more!

• We come together in the GreenHouse space unless otherwise noted.

• We are grateful for the positive interest, curiosity, shared knowledge and insights our community collectively nurtures.

Additional info you should know…

• Applications for CL are open throughout the year based on available activities.

Who can join CL? 

• Meaningful climate action requires an intergenerational, diverse approach and our participation model reflects that. Folks in our program come from all walks and stages of life; students, educators, and community members in Waterloo Region. 

We will note that the majority of our participants are undergrads from UW, Laurier and Conestoga College.

What does programming look like for SIIT?

Social Innovators in Training (SIIT) program helps students work with other like-minded innovators interested in creating social or environmental change through their own projects, ventures, or initiatives. 

• SIIT runs every fall and winter term and takes place over 10 weeks

• We meet once a week for 90 minutes in the GreenHouse space followed by a community dinner.

• Every week we facilitate hand-ons activities meant to help you identify and validate the problem you are seeking to solve, design an impactful idea using inclusive design principles, prototype and test your ideas and build relationships with various stakeholders, including funders, partners and potential team members. 

• SIIT students have the opportunity to pitch for funding from the Social Impact Fund.

• Most content presented in SIIT is applicable at any stage of your idea. That means that you can participate in SIIT multiple times as you and your ideas grow and evolve.

What does the application process look like for SIIT?

• Applications for SIIT are usually open at the beginning of the term or a few weeks before the term begins.

• SIIT is open to University of Waterloo students from any faculty and any level of study. Recent alumni within the past 6 months are also eligible to apply.