Zeynep Bahar, Director of Civic Involvement Projects at Sabancı University, participated as a speaker on April 24, 2025, in a civic engagement-themed event organized by the Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University.
Speaking in the session titled “Civic Engagement in Action,” Bahar introduced the Civic Involvement Projects (CIP) model—one of the most significant innovations Sabancı University has brought to higher education in Türkiye. This model has been implemented continuously since 1999. During the session, Bahar shared how the CIP model fosters active citizenship among students, integrates education with social responsibility, and enables students to make tangible contributions to society.
Sabancı University’s approach to university social responsibility is holistic, centering not only on student engagement but also on institutional commitment. This comprehensive perspective positions the university as a model for other higher education institutions, contributing meaningfully to the creation of a more just, inclusive, and participatory society.
In addition, in 2025, Sabancı University’s Civic Involvement Projects became a member of the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities, led by Tufts University. Through this membership, Sabancı University aims to strengthen its collaborations with Tufts and other network members in the coming years.