Program Highlights

With an initial week-long residential immersion experience in the summer and biweekly Saturday classes during the academic year, students finish the program in just one year. We provide a flexible fee payment schedule that allows you to pay for your classes after your grades are posted to take advantage of employer tuition reimbursement.

"The immersion experience brought together a diverse group of students and connected them for life…It was nice to completely unplug from daily life and completely plug in to this new one-year commitment." - Student, Class of 2011

Students progress through the course sequence as a cohort, learning from each other's diverse backgrounds and developing a strong professional bond that continues after graduation. Cohorts are limited to 20 students.

Courses examine the application of the three aspects of sustainability:

• environmental quality
• social justice
• economic vitality

The interactive classes include guest speakers, small group work, hands-on activities, and regional field trips. Students apply their knowledge and skills to an integrative sustainability capstone project for their organization or community.

“I grew tremendously in this program. We were taught by sustainability leaders with amazing talents and community networks, and I’ve made incredible lifelong connections as a result. The practical approach and interdisciplinary curriculum allowed me to bring innovative and transformational ideas to my work from day one to the final capstone project.” - LeeAnn Glover ‘11, American Family Insurance

The program was developed with partners who share a commitment to a more sustainable community, including Capitol Region Sustainability Consortium, Literacy Network, Madison Metropolitan School District, MGE, REAP Food Group, Sustain Dane, and many others. Community Fellows bring unique perspectives to each cohort from the forefront of sustainability implementation.

Edgewood College is committed to a sustainable college community and campus environment. Click here to learn more.

Program classes are delivered in the Mazzuchelli Center on the shore of Lake Wingra. In 2003, this building was renovated using reclaimed materials, high-performance glass, and low-VOC paints and finishes. New water and electrical lines were installed to skirt a protected Indian mound. Rain gardens naturally filter runoff from the building and release it to the groundwater supply, rather than straight into Lake Wingra. Monitoring equipment in the building and rain gardens can be used for student projects.