Real-world experience is a key learning component of all Presidio programs. Project and service learning is a method of teaching, learning and reflecting that combines the academic curriculum with practical projects or meaningful service. As the cornerstone of all our degree programs, students begin working on real-time projects after completing four core classes. In addition to providing the opportunity to apply sustainable management skills and best practices, project and service learning enriches the learning experience both through encouraging lifelong civic engagement and building the professional sustainable management community.
How Does It Work?
Teams of 3-5 students work for a semester (12 weeks) on a project that is aligned with curriculum goals for a particular course. Student teams are challenged to apply both traditional management concepts and metrics, such as profitability for an ROI calculation, as well as to integrate sustainability metrics that take into account social and natural capital. Student teams solve problems, create solutions, and deliver significant professional value to participating organizations. Subject areas include:
- Operations and Production (MBA)
- Marketing (MBA)
- Finance (MBA)
- Strategic Management (MBA)
- Integrative Capstone Plan (MBA/MPA)
- Policy Evaluation (MPA)
- Sustainable Development Practices (MPA)
- Implementation of Sustainable Practices (MPA)
Public, private and nonprofit organizations are invited to apply to be considered for project partnerships and added to the pool of potential sponsors. New projects are selected based upon the fit with the course learning goals, student interest, and opportunities to enhance sustainable management practices. There is no charge to participating organizations, except for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the student team.
Project proposals are vetted by both Presidio staff and faculty, and students choose projects based on their areas of interest. Teams of students are either self-formed or assigned depending on the course.
Projects are initiated by each student team crafting a Letter of Commitment with the sponsoring organization. Commitment letters detail the Scope of Work, Project Deliverables and Timetable, Expectations for Communication and Information Sharing, and Learning Objectives and Evaluation Criteria for the course. The agreement is signed-off on by the student team, the respective faculty member, and the sponsoring organization.
