Deeply explore an issue that matters to you and share your findings with the world
Map the System is a one-of-a-kind challenge that invites students to use a systems-thinking approach to demonstrate a deep understanding of a pressing social or environmental challenge.
Why participate?
- Learn valuable skills that will help you address the world’s most pressing issues
- Bring awareness to a social or environmental problem you are passionate about
- Compete for $5,000 in cash prizes and an opportunity to present at the national finals
- Connect with socially-conscious students, researchers, and practitioners from across Canada
- Join a global movement committed to systems change
Registrations close January 31, 2021.

We're Here to Support You
Workshops
Experienced experts will help you learn the foundational skills and approaches you need to impact societal problems.
Coaching
Our organizing team will check-in with you along the way and answer any questions you have about the program.
Tools & Resources
You'll have access to a variety of resources and tools that social innovators use as you develop your project.
Program Schedule
Feb. 9, 2021
Systems Mapping Workshop
Feb. 23, 2021
Human-Centered Design Workshop
Feb. 25, 2021
Ethical Research Practices Workshop
March 16, 2021
Storytelling and Communication Workshop
March 23, 2021
Presentation Coaching Workshop
April 2, 2021
Deadline for Student Submissions
April 13, 2021
UCalgary Map the System 2021 Presentations (tentative)
Frequently Asked Questions
Did we miss your question? Email us directly at hunterhub@ucalgary.ca to let us know what you're curious about, and we'll get back to you with answers.
Don't forget to join our info session to learn more about the program!
UCalgary undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral scholars and recent alumni (within 1 year) are eligible to participate in UCalgary's Map the System program.
Map the System can be completed by teams of 1 to 5 people. You don't have to join with others, but it is strongly recommended given the workload.
This program is free to join!
UCalgary finalists will also have a chance to compete for a share of $5000 in cash prizes awarded at our local competition. The winning UCalgary finalist will have a chance to compete for one of four $2000 prizes at the Canadian finals, and a chance to win a spot in the global finals!
Ahead of the registration deadline, we are hosting a facilitated team building workshop during the evening of January 26. This is a great place to meet others interested in working on problems you're passionate about.
As a participant in UCalgary's Map the System program, you will receive:
- A guidebook with directions that will move you through the program.
- Invitations to regularly occurring social innovation workshops to help you with the fundamental elements of your project.
- Access to a D2L page with relevant resources and weekly discussion boards that will help you connect with other teams for peer-to-peer support.
- Connections to coaches who can help you with your project
The workshops are not mandatory, but are highly recommended. They will provide a space for you to develop new knowledge, actively work on your projects and receive feedback, and connect with other participants. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the various tools and methods that are introduced throughout the program.
Participants are expected to take a system thinking approach to their research analysis and present their findings in three ways: visual, written, and verbal.
1. Written Submission Materials
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Visual systems map(s)
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Written Systems Analysis (up to 3000 words)
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Detailed Bibliography
2. Verbal Presentation
The presentation is the part of this competition that most closely mimics a pitch competition, but only insofar as participants are telling a story.
Map the System Canada has projects from last year's program available online. Check them out to see what this program can help you achieve!
Ready to join us?
Information Session
Join us on January 19 to learn more about the program and ask any questions you have about it.
Join a Team
Rally a group of friends interested in social impact, or join our team building workshop on January 26 to find a group!
Review Requirements
Check out the program schedule and deliverables to familiarize yourself with what to expect.
Register
Have your project idea and a team put together? Apply online to secure your spot in this year's program.
Presenting Partners
