Universidad ORT Uruguay is one of the 100 educational institutions selected to participate in the new edition of Projects for Peace and the only representative from Uruguay.
Established in 2007 through the initiative of American investor, painter, philanthropist, and political activistKathryn W. Davis, and based at Middlebury College in the United States, the program promotes the development of innovative solutions to social, environmental, and community problems.
Each year, Projects for Peace funds at least 125 student-led initiatives, which can be carried out in various parts of the world, usually during the northern hemisphere summer.
Projects must demonstrate how they contribute to peacebuilding through concrete actions. Evaluation criteria include the impact on communities, understanding of the issues addressed, the creativity of the proposals, and the effective use of existing resources and relationships in the local context.
Five projects have already received funding
Since its first participation in 2024, the “ Universidad ORT Uruguay ” has secured funding for five initiatives: two in 2024, two in 2025, and one in 2026.
In 2026, a financial education project aimed at children and adolescents was selected; it combines workshops and digital tools to promote saving, planning, and responsible financial decision-making.
In 2025, the two funded initiatives were related to social inclusion and environmental sustainability. One involved the development of a video game to promote empathy and combat xenophobia and discrimination among adolescents. The other focused on utilizing waste from the dairy industry through the use of microalgae, combining biotechnological solutions with environmental education activities.
In 2024, one of the projects made it possible to revitalize the Jacinto Laguna Community Libraryin Nueva Palmira, Colonia, by renovating its spaces, adding books, and organizing cultural activities to promote reading and community participation. That same year, funding was also awarded to an initiative aimed at promoting the development of biorefineries and the recovery of industrial waste, with the goal of contributing to environmental sustainability and the efficient use of natural resources.
These experiences reflect the diversity of approaches through which it is possible to contribute to peacebuilding, through initiatives related to education, culture, technology, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.
How to Participate in the 2027 Edition
Proposals must first be submitted to an internal selection committee at the Universidad ORT Uruguay, which is responsible for evaluating the projects and selecting the candidates who will represent the institution.
To participate, interested students must meet with a teacher or advisor who will assist them in defining and developing their project. The initial proposal, which may be written in Spanish, must be between two and three pages long and include a description of the initiative, a work plan, and a budget.
The deadline for submission is December 18, 2026. Applications must be sent to Sara Goldberg, M.Eng., via email at goldberg@ort.edu.uy. The internal evaluation process will continue through December 28, 2026. The university will select two proposals: one primary and one alternate.
Selected projects must be submitted in English via the Middlebury College platform by February 3, 2027, for international evaluation.
The initiatives that receive funding will be implemented during the summer of 2027 in the Northern Hemisphere.
This call for proposals is linked to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, one of the 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda. By funding community projects, Projects for Peace promotes initiatives that contribute to peacebuilding, social inclusion, and harmonious coexistence in various communities.
For more information, visit:
www.ort.edu.uy/projects-for-peace