Presidio doesn't just teach theories and concepts—we engage our students in real-world issues and real-life implementation. Our graduates gain competencies and professional experience relevant to a rapidly changing world through experiential learning— “learning by doing.” Working on actual management projects and challenges, students demonstrate their learning by delivering results. Sustainability is far too dynamic to be left to classroom discussion of theoretical constructs. As an evolving field, it requires hands-on learning that is not added on as an elective or internship but is incorporated into every aspect of the curriculum.Students in degree programs work in a variety of courses—from strategy and finance to policy and marketing—with organizations and companies on projects that build, enhance, and extend their classroom learning (see How it Works for more information). Presidio works with a growing number of local and global partners that value our students’ unique perspective in tackling management challenges. Organizations range from start-up businesses and government agencies to Fortune 500 companies such as Wal-Mart, Hewlett Packard, the EPA, Cisco, IDEO, Sun Energy, and SF Environment.
Throughout the curriculum, students have the opportunity to develop skills through relevant, practical and real-world assignments. Degree programs culminate with students crafting a strategic business or policy plan for turning their ideas into reality while demonstrating mastery of sustainable management competencies. While some students launch these ventures after they graduate, for others the course is solid preparation for whatever career goals they pursue.
In our Executive Education, theory is also connected with practice through a learning lab or incubator designed to help turn opportunities and ideas into tangible business or action plans. Projects span a variety of areas including energy issues, consumer product design, clean tech, and nonprofit management.
