Letters to the Future challenge: A scalable online tool to engage management students with the SDGs

Rico talks with professor Michaéla Schippers, professor of Behavior and Performance Management about the "Letters to the Future" initiative that recently got published in a scientific paper. In the article, it is mentioned that many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not being met, such as zero hunger and how "Letters to the Future" may help.

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Schippers explains how the initiative that started years ago, has evolved into a scientifically grounded educational tool aimed at engaging management students worldwide. The now peer-reviewed scientific paper is titled “Letters to the Future Challenge: A Scalable Online Tool to Engage Management Students with the SDGs.” Schippers explains the review process, noting that the paper went through both initial and secondary rounds of peer evaluation before receiving final acceptance.

Throughout the conversation, the core concept of the project is emphasized—encouraging students to write letters to their future selves in order to clarify life goals and develop a sense of purpose. This reflective exercise is framed as a way to motivate students to align their personal aspirations with broader societal and environmental goals. The initiative has gained traction globally, with implementation in various educational settings, ranging from universities to independent online courses.

Schippers advocates for the integration of purpose-driven education in academic curricula, arguing that this enhances not only personal development but also civic responsibility. The "Letters to the Future" framework is portrayed as an accessible and scalable model for achieving this, particularly relevant to younger generations facing existential uncertainty and global crises.

Schippers shares anecdotal evidence of the challenge’s impact, referencing student testimonials and institutional feedback. According to her, students who participate in the challenge report a greater sense of clarity, engagement, and optimism about their role in shaping the future.
Brouwer responds with curiosity and support, probing into the practical steps taken to make the tool widely available and discussing the role of technology in scaling such educational interventions.

In closing, the conversation shifts toward the future trajectory of the initiative. Schippers expresses hope that the academic recognition of the paper will lend further credibility to the challenge and promote its adoption in curricula around the world.

On Follow the Science: http://followthescience.nl/interviews/letters-to-the-future-challenge-a-scalable-online-tool-to-engage-management-students-with-the-sdgs