Samenvatting

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Curaçao (UoC) faced significant challenges in student enrollment and retention. Furthermore, the Caribbean SIDS faces a
shortage of engineers specialized in sustainability, which will hinder the development of sustainability within the SIDS. The Bachelor of Engineering and Sustainable Technology (BEST) program was established to address these challenges. This innovative program integrates sustainability principles into applied engineering education. Designed in close collaboration with local partners, this innovative program focuses on project-based learning, multidisciplinary integration, and alignment with regional needs. Student enrollment has increased considerably compared to previous programs. Over the past three years, the enrollment has risen from an average of 5-15 students on a yearly basis per program to over 50 students within the BEST program. Furthermore, the retention rate has also increased from less than 50% to between 85% and 90%. The student evaluation by the students themselves shows a positive assessment of both the quality of education and the course content. The current results of the of the NVAO-positively assessed BEST program confirm that it offers a best-practice framework for sustainable engineering education in the SIDS, and specifically in
Curaçao.