Bahcesehir University (BAU) carries out a wide range of educational outreach activities beyond its campuses to promote social development and support lifelong learning.
BAU undertakes lectures, seminars, certificate programs, and community-based educational activities, both ad-hoc and on a programmed basis, designed to extend the benefits of higher education to the wider community.
The following examples present educational outreach programs and certificate courses implemented during the 2023–2024 academic year, reflecting BAU’s strong commitment to accessible, inclusive, and socially engaged education.
The section below presents Educational Outreach Activities of Bahcesehir University . The promotional posters and event photographs for each activity are included as images on the page.
The image below shows the promotional poster of the Bahcesehir University CO-OP Responsibility: High School Students Career Development Program.
Originally launched in 2023 and the program continued in 2024. The High School Students Career Development Programme has been led by Bahcesehir University as part of its CO-OP Responsibility initiative. The programme embodies Bahçeşehir University’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities in education and expanding access to quality learning experiences beyond the university campus.
This programme is specifically designed for high school students of Darüşşafaka Educational Institutions, a distinguished school that provides full scholarships and eight years of boarding education to academically talented students who have lost one or both parents and face socio-economic challenges.
In this edition, Bahçeşehir University’s distinguished faculty members personally visited Darüşşafaka High School and delivered their lectures on-site, offering university-level learning directly within the high school environment. The 13-week curriculum focused on key themes such as: Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Creative Thinking, Digital Communication and much more. Each module is designed to strengthen students’ competencies in future-oriented skills, while fostering social awareness, creativity, and technological literacy. Through these learning experiences, students are encouraged to discover their potential, make informed career choices, and develop the skills needed to manage their professional paths with confidence and purpose.
The programme is organized by Bahçeşehir University in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, a training and research center affiliated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Upon completion, participants receive BAU–UNITAR-approved certificates, formally recognizing their achievements and engagement in a university-level learning experience.
Through this initiative, Bahcesehir University continues to extend its educational ecosystem beyond its own campus, empowering high school students with the knowledge, vision, and inspiration needed to shape sustainable and inclusive futures.
The images below show the poster, course plan, event highlights, and sample certificate of the Bahcesehir University CO-OP Responsibility: High School Students Career Development Program, organized in collaboration with Darüşşafaka Educational Institution.
Highlights from the Program
The image below shows the poster of the ‘Heroes of Nature: Zero Waste and Recycling Workshop’ organized in Malatya within Bahcesehir University’s training program in the earthquake region.
On 13 December, the Bahceşehir University’s (BAU) CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR team organized a meaningful educational event in Battalgazi, Malatya titled “Heroes of Nature: Raising Awareness on Sustainability,” , offering support and inspiration to children and their parents affected by the February 6 earthquakes.
During the seminar, CIFAL Istanbul personnel introduced participants to the mission and values of the United Nations, explaining how individuals can actively contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The speakers addressed key topics such as clean water conservation, renewable energy, sustainable cities, climate action, and the protection of natural ecosystems. Presentations focused particularly on waste reduction and the long-term benefits of adopting eco-friendly lifestyles within families and communities. At the conclusion of the event, the CIFAL Istanbul team presented books to the participating children and joined them in a tote bag painting workshop, reinforcing messages of creativity, sustainability, and collective responsibility for the environment. The initiative reflected Bahcesehir University’s dedication to providing quality education beyond its own campus, extending academic expertise to external learning environments.
The following day, on 15 December, the BAU CIFAL Istanbul team, held a series of official meetings with local authorities in Malatya, one of the provinces most affected by the earthquakes of February 6. The delegation first met with the Head of the Strategy Development Department at the Malatya Metropolitan Municipality, where discussions focused on possible improvements in the region, including the sustainable reconstruction of schools, educational initiatives, and potential collaborations to enhance the quality of learning in the area. Later, the team visited the Deputy Mayor of Battalgazi Municipality to exchange views on the city’s recovery efforts, social service delivery, and evolving community needs. Both meetings aimed to identify areas for cooperation that align with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, emphasizing transparent governance, institutional resilience, and inclusive local partnerships.
By engaging directly with local administrations and delivering educational activities on-site, Bahçeşehir University and CIFAL Istanbul continues to expand the social impact of higher education — supporting sustainable recovery and promoting quality learning opportunities in regions most in need.
The images below show highlights from Bahcesehir University’s visit and training program in Malatya, including the ‘Heroes of Nature’ workshop with local students
The image below shows event photos from the Bahcesehir University Kocaeli High School Sustainability Summit’24.
As part of the Global Schools Program, CIFAL Istanbul participated in the “Sustainability Summit’24” organized by Kocaeli High School bringing together students, educators, and sustainability experts to discuss innovative approaches to global challenges. Reflecting Bahcesehir University’s commitment to extending quality education beyond its own campus, the event provided a meaningful platform for high school students to engage with the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the summit, Dr. Yasemin Ülker, Deputy Director of Bahcesehir University CIFAL Istanbul, delivered an insightful presentation on the concept and relevance of sustainability in today’s world, as well as Bahçeşehir University’s initiatives that empower youth to take action toward a more sustainable future. The session highlighted CIFAL Istanbul’s collaborations under the UNITAR network, its youth-focused projects, and the role of the CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform in encouraging active student participation in sustainability efforts.
By connecting directly with high school students and educators, Bahçeşehir University, through its CIFAL Istanbul Centre, continues to promote sustainability awareness and foster a culture of learning and responsibility beyond the university environment.
The images below shows event highlights from the Bahcesehir University Kocaeli High School Sustainability Summit’24.
The image below shows event photos from the Bahcesehir University Local Products event.
As part of Local Products Week, Bahcesehir University academics and students, with the support of CIFAL Istanbul and BAU Branding, organized a meaningful social responsibility event at Levent Lütfi Banat Primary School, reflecting the university’s commitment to providing quality education opportunities beyond its own campus.
The activity featured interactive presentations on local products, brand awareness, and responsible consumption, aiming to introduce young students to the concepts of sustainability and conscious consumer behavior. Through shopping simulations and brand design workshops, participants gained hands-on experience and developed practical insights into sustainable food systems and responsible consumption habits.
By engaging directly with primary school students, Bahcesehir University continues to strengthen its educational mission of linking academic knowledge with social awareness—encouraging younger generations to make informed, ethical, and environmentally responsible choices in their daily lives.
The image below shows the promotional poster of the Climate Change Summit co-organized by Bahcesehir University and CIFAL Istanbul in Baku.
Bahcesehir University, through its CIFAL Istanbul Centre affiliated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), co-organized the “Climate Change Summit: The Climate Crisis from a Sustainability Perspective” in collaboration with Azerbaijan Technical University, the Young Researchers Innovation Club, and BilimSenOl. The summit took place at Azerbaijan Technical University in Baku, exemplifying Bahçeşehir University’s commitment to extending its academic and sustainability initiatives beyond national borders.
With contributions from Dr. Yasemin Ülker, Prof. Dr. Çisil Sohodol, and Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Geysi of Bahcesehir University, the event addressed the urgent global challenges posed by climate change and sustainability. Through expert discussions and knowledge exchange, the summit fostered international academic collaboration, uniting institutions and specialists to share perspectives and explore joint solutions for a more sustainable future.
The image below shows pictures of the Climate Change Summit co-organized by Bahcesehir University and CIFAL Istanbul in Baku.
The image below shows picture of Bahcesehir University MOVE UP event.
The Bahcesehir University (BAU) MOVE UP Capacity Building and Training Program, initiated by Bahçeşehir University, continues to empower high school students across Türkiye by providing free, high-quality learning opportunities designed to enhance their academic, personal, and professional development. Launched in 2019, the program aims to guide young individuals in shaping their future career paths and academic aspirations. In 2024, MOVE UP was successfully implemented in Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Bursa, bringing together hundreds of high school students from diverse regions and backgrounds.
Throughout the program, participants took part in interactive sessions and workshops delivered by Bahcesehir University’s distinguished academics, who shared their expertise on a wide range of contemporary themes, including sustainability, technology, digital media, innovation, access to information, and fundamental legal rights. These sessions enabled students to strengthen essential competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership.
Reflecting Bahcesehir University’s mission to make quality education accessible to all, the MOVE UP Program remains free of charge and open to high school students throughout Türkiye, ensuring equal access to transformative educational experiences. By fostering youth capacity development and awareness in key 21st-century skill areas, Bahçeşehir University continues to extend its educational impact beyond the university campus—contributing to the formation of an informed, capable, and socially responsible generation ready to shape a sustainable future
The image below shows the promotional poster of BAU Energy and Security Partnership.
The “Energy and Security Partnership Forum between Azerbaijani and Turkish Youth” was held on 23 February 2024 at the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU). The event was jointly organized by Bahcesehir University (BAU), the Azerbaijani Student and Alumni Platform (ASAP), and the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, with the support of the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan and in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul and UNITAR.
The forum brought together more than 300 young participants from Türkiye and Azerbaijan to exchange perspectives on energy security, sustainability, and regional cooperation. Opening remarks were delivered by ASOIU Acting Rector Vazeh Asgarov, Youth Foundation Acting Chairman Gadir Khalilov, ASAP Executive Director Sevda Mansurova, and Bahçeşehir University Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu.
Panel discussions explored ways to enhance collaboration between Azerbaijani and Turkish youth, strengthen energy partnerships, and emphasize the role of young people in addressing climate change and environmental challenges, including their engagement in global events such as COP29.
By creating a platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange, the forum advanced youth engagement in sustainable energy development, cross-border partnerships, and global citizenship education, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).
The image below shows highlight picture of Bahcesehir University Energy and Security Partnership Forum
The two images below show highlight pictures of Bahcesehir Conference on Sustainability Awareness for High School Students.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burçak Vatansever Durmaz, faculty member at Bahcesehir University’s Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, participated in a conference organized at Bakırköy Uğur Anatolian High School to promote sustainability awareness among young people. The session engaged around 60 high school students, focusing on environmental responsibility, conscious consumption, and the importance of adopting sustainable habits for the future.
Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, the conference encouraged students to recognize their role in building a more sustainable society. By linking sustainability with everyday choices and collective action, the program contributed to SDG 4 by expanding access to quality sustainability education, SDG 12 by fostering awareness of responsible consumption and production patterns, and SDG 13 by inspiring youth to take action against climate change through informed, responsible behavior.
The image below shows the promotional poster of Bahcesehir University Global Autonomous Learner Children’s.
In 2024, Bahcesehir University (BAU) implemented the BAU Global Autonomous Learner Children’s University Program, designed to introduce young learners to the university environment and foster 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and social-emotional awareness.
Through age-appropriate, play- and task-based workshops built on the STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach, the program offered interactive learning opportunities in fun science, digital game design, engineering, and drama.
By extending learning beyond traditional school settings, the initiative contributed to educational outreach and early capacity-building, nurturing curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning habits among children from diverse backgrounds.
The four images below show course schecules and the highlight pictures of Bahcesehir University Global Autonomous Learner Children’s.
The image below shows the promotional poster of Bahcesehir University Part-Tıme Chıldren's Conservatory.
Bahcesehir University established the Part-Time Children’s Conservatory at the Ordu-Giresun Enver Yücel Primary and Secondary School Campus in the Black Sea region in October 2023.
Designed and implemented by Bahcesehir University academics, the conservatory provides 28 weeks of music education per year for 4th and 5th grade students. The program aims to discover and support young musical talents, offering structured and continuous training over four years, after which students receive a certificate of achievement.
As the first children’s conservatory founded by a university in the Black Sea region, this initiative demonstrates Bahçeşehir University’s dedication to expanding access to quality arts education and promoting sustainable cultural development in local communities.
As part of the “Science Will Win with Youth” project organized by the Science Heroes Association, Bahçeşehir University contributed to inspiring high school students to explore the world of science and research. On 13 June 2024, the event was hosted at Pfizer’s office, featuring the hands-on workshop “Let’s Extract the DNA of a Strawberry” led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Defne Yabaş, Director of Bahcesehir University (BAU) STEM department and faculty member at the BAU Faculty of Educational Sciences.
Through this activity, Bahcesehir University has demonstrated its commitment to fostering scientific curiosity, experiential learning, and equal access to quality STEM education for young learners.
Following the workshop, participants engaged in a science-themed quiz that reinforced their learning experience, and the event concluded with a certificate ceremony. This activity also supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
The 2nd Term STEM Workshop was held online on 17 February 2024, bringing together science, mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, and information technologies teachers from Uğur Schools across Türkiye. The workshop focused on sharing upcoming STEM activities for the second semester of the 2023–2024 academic year and on strengthening teachers’ capacity for effective classroom integration.
The program began with opening remarks by Dr. Defne Yabaş, Director of the BAU STEM Center at Bahcesehir University, and Gözde Yılmaz, Head of the EarlySTEM & STEM Department at Uğur Schools. Dr. Yabaş discussed transformative skills and learning outcomes based on national and international indicators, highlighting the importance of focusing on scientific processes rather than products in STEM education. Yılmaz’s presentation explored “What is STEM and Why is STEM Education Important?”, underlining how it enhances both academic and personal development while preparing students to succeed in an increasingly knowledge- and technology-driven world.
The workshop concluded with discussions on supporting students’ creativity and cognitive processes in STEM-based learning.
Through this collaboration, Bahcesehir University has once again emphasized its commitment to advancing inclusive, high-quality STEM education and nurturing 21st-century skills among educators and students alike.
This activity also contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
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