Bridging Sustainability, Experiential Learning, and Youth Leadership

A Global Research and Innovation Model (GYLRIM)

Abstract

This study proposes the Global Youth Leadership Research and Innovation Model (GYLRIM) as an
integrated framework for advancing youth leadership within sustainability-oriented contexts. Addressing
the growing need for interdisciplinary approaches, the study bridges experiential learning, cross-sector
collaboration, and community engagement to connect education with real-world sustainability challenges.
Drawing upon experiential learning theory and sustainability-oriented development, the research
develops a structured model consisting of input, process, and output layers. The model is applied
through field-based practices that incorporate service learning and community participation. Data were
collected through qualitative approaches, including observations, interviews, and document analysis, to
examine how experiential learning environments contribute to leadership development and innovation.
The findings indicate that experiential and service-based learning significantly enhance youth leadership
capacity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. In addition, cross-sector collaboration among
educational institutions, communities, and public actors plays a crucial role in facilitating sustainable
outcomes. The GYLRIM model demonstrates how the integration of educational resources, cultural assets, and policy support can generate long-term impacts on both individual development and
community sustainability.
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This study contributes to the literature by offering a novel interdisciplinary framework that links education,
sustainability, and youth empowerment. It also provides practical implications for policymakers,
educators, and practitioners seeking to implement collaborative and sustainability-oriented development
strategies. The model aligns with global sustainability agendas and offers a scalable approach applicable
across diverse socio-cultural contexts.