Does your organization have a project that stays on the backburner because you lack the time or resources to tackle it, or because it's so multifaceted you don't know where to begin?
Tap into the breadth of expertise at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Arts & Science, home to 390+ programs in the sciences, humanities and social sciences.
The Sandbox assigns your project to students in several Arts & Science courses and disciplines so they can propose multifaceted solutions through their coursework.
Students benefit from applying their knowledge to real-world challenges, while you gain new insights and help foster the next generation of creative minds — all at no financial cost to your organization, and without hiring and training new staff.
How does The Sandbox work?
Join the program.
Connect with the Sandbox team to start the process — or just to learn more.
Identify your challenge.
Discuss your organization’s challenge with the Sandbox team through one or two exploratory meetings. They’ll match you with relevant courses from multiple academic disciplines.
Meet the instructors and students.
Work remotely with the Sandbox team and course instructors to develop a corresponding project for students, then attend an in-person or virtual project launch.
Provide occasional support.
Attend one midpoint check-in per course — or more if you’d prefer — to answer students’ questions virtually or in person. The Sandbox team provides full support to you along the way.
Wrap up the collaboration.
Attend the grand finale: a showcase event where students share their insights.
Afterwards, you’ll also receive your project deliverable in whatever format you choose.
But the collaboration doesn't have to end there. Partnerships often lead to ongoing relationships between organizations and instructors, allowing you to collaborate on future Sandbox projects if you wish.
Why should my organization join The Sandbox?
- Gain expertise from high-caliber students and academic subject matter experts
- Access creative, multifaceted solutions without the time commitment and cost of hiring and training additional staff
- Help the next generation prepare to enter the workforce through hands-on experience
- Create connections with leading academics for potential future collaboration
- Access a direct pipeline for student recruitment
What does it cost my organization to participate?
There are no financial costs. The Arts & Science Sandbox program is offered to organizations free of charge, and no wages are paid to students. Students receive academic credit for their contributions.
What are the expectations for partners?
To participate in The Sandbox, you will need to:
- Propose and refine a project idea
- Meet with course instructors
- Launch the project with students via an in-class or virtual visit
- Attend one midpoint project check-in (or more if you prefer)
- Attend the project showcase (in person or virtual, depending on your location)
We recommend a three- to four-month lead time prior to the project start to match you with courses that best meet your needs.
Case Study: UNICEF
The Problem:
UNICEF developed a machine-learning model to predict conflict escalation across the globe. They enlisted The Sandbox at U of T to refine the model’s accuracy while also exploring its ethical and geopolitical impacts.
The Sandbox Solution:
To tackle this multi-faceted problem, The Sandbox enlisted the collective output of students in statistics and computer sciences courses for data and technology solutions, while students in political science and ethics courses examined societal and humanistic perspectives.
In the News
Over a thousand students from 11 different courses came together to solve problems faced by the Toronto District School Board, UNICEF and Access Alliance. Using their multidisciplinary skills, they created a model for refugee resiliency, used machine learning to predict conflict escalation around the world, worked with one of UNICEF’s data management platforms and helped the TDSB analyze environmental data and develop a plan to encourage students to walk and cycle to school instead of using a car or bus.
Read more about their experience: Sandbox program pairs students with organizations outside U of T in solution-seeking collaboration
Connect With Us
For more information or to get started, please contact Christine Ovcaric, Program Manager, The Sandbox, at christine.ovcaric@utoronto.ca.