Connect with Communities
This strand allows you to connect across and beyond UCL to transform your learning by broadening your horizons, make a positive difference and expand your networks, both locally and globally.
Select this strand if you are interested in:
Cross-cultural awareness
Social responsibility
Sustainability
Bookings are now open
Explore the 2025/26 programme:
Activities within this strand are offered at different learning levels - attend as many events as you want. Learn how to navigate the ExtendED Learning Framework
Fundamental
If you are new to an area this is a good starting point to build core knowledge and confidence.
ExtendED Learning activity code: EXT0065
Content: With time being a key barrier to volunteering, how can a student have an impact on the social good? A Trustee of a Charity helps with the strategic, financial, and structural health and direction of a Charity whilst volunteering around 2 hours every 2 months. This programme will help you learn more about being a trustee, understand the skills you can bring to a Charity, and experience a Trustee Interview and Trustee Board.
Why take part in this activity? This programme is for any student who is wanting to volunteer for a role where they can bring strategic planning & creative thinking to a charity at a organisational-wide level.
When: 18 May - 12 June, a series of online and in person workshops
Full details - Bookings closed
ExtendED Learning activity code: EXT0042
Content: If you’re new to ExtendED Learning or not sure where to start, the ExtendED Conference is a two-day event offering an introduction to the ExtendED Learning programme.
Why take part in this activity? The conference is designed as a space to help you build confidence, bringing together sessions from across all the Extended Learning strands through discussion, reflection, and hands-on activities all whilst offering you a chance to experience a conference setting.
When: 19-20 May 2026, full day
Full details - Bookings closed
Practice
If you are familiar with an area this allows you to build on your knowledge and develop your skills.
ExtendED Learning activity code: EXT0003
Content: The Challenge offers an opportunity to gain hands-on consultancy experience while contributing to meaningful social impact. During the two days, you will work in small teams to support a community organisation in addressing a real business or operational challenge, such as volunteer engagement, funding, or data management.
Why take part in this activity? The Consultancy Challenge provides a fast-paced, supportive environment where you can develop and apply skills beyond the classroom, exploring how they can be used in professional and community settings.
When: 21 and 22 May 2026, full days
Full details - Bookings closed
ExtendED Learning activity code: EXT0014
Content: The Ideas Sprint is a fast-paced, hands-on experience where you’ll work directly with London-based charities to help shape solutions that support their real-world missions. You’ll take part in co-production and co-creation activities designed to spark ideas and encourage collaboration.
Why take part in this activity? This is an interactive, practical session designed to put your voice at the centre of the process. By the end of the sprint, you’ll have a clearer understanding of co-production and co-creation in practice, and how these approaches are used to develop inclusive, impactful solutions.
When: 10 June 2026, full day
Full details - Bookings closed
ExtendED Learning activity code: EXT0061
Content: Using the UCL200 Social Impact Fund as a live case study, you’ll explore how large-scale, student-led fundraising campaigns are designed and delivered — and how you can apply the same principles to any cause, organisation or future career setting. Fundraising isn’t just about raising money — it’s about leadership, communication, strategy, and creating meaningful, sustainable impact.
Why take part in this activity? Join this energising, practical masterclass designed to help you develop fundraising as a powerful, transferable skill. Whether you’re a newly elected Club or Society Officer, part of a student group, or simply passionate about social impact, this session will equip you with the tools to plan, launch and deliver successful fundraising initiatives.
When: 8 June 2026, full day
Full details - Bookings closed
Stretch
If you feel confident in an area this allows you to apply this knowledge independently.
ExtendED Learning activity code: EXT0010
Content: Engage, Train, Consult (ETC) partners with an external organisation to develop real-world solutions to local community challenges. Through active participation, action-learning and hands-on experience, you will gain insights into consultancy in a socially minded and impactful way, contributing to community-led change.
Why take part in this activity? Engage, Train, Consult (ETC) is a collaborative training programme that equips you with consultancy, engagement and evaluation skills.
When: 14 May, 21 May, 28 May and 4 June 2026, 2 hour sessions
Full details - Bookings closed
Pillars of Employability
The Connect with Communities strand is defined by the Make a social and global impact Pillar which is part of UCL’s Pillars of Employability framework.
Pillars of Employability framework
