The Colorado State University College of Business’s Impact MBA program received the Wharton-QS Reimagine Education 2020 silver award for sustainability education.
The program was selected from a field of 16 international sustainability education programs after submitting a video assessed by attendees of the Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Conference and Awards as well as a panel of judges. More than 1,400 programs were submitted to the competition’s many categories.
The award recognizes the Impact MBA’s commitment to environmental, social, economic and human sustainability as well as the innovative, hands-on model that provides students with real-world experiences in practicum and fellowship opportunities.
“It’s an honor to again be recognized as having one of the most innovative approaches to teaching sustainability from an environmental, social and corporate perspective,” Kathryn Ernst, Impact MBA director said. “Our alumni are prepared with the skills and practical experience to address the most critical issues facing our world.”
It should come as no surprise the program earned recognition. Last year, the program received the MBA Roundtable Innovator Award as it expanded its curriculum to offer a Corporate Sustainability Track that equips graduates with the analytical skills to lead change from within an organization. Other students may select from the Social Entrepreneurship Track that provides the skills to launch a sustainable venture.
Programs entered into the Wharton-QS Reimagine Education award were evaluated for their innovative approach to education, unique position in the marketplace, student engagement, impact on sustainable measures and the scalability of the program.
“The Impact MBA is a truly unique opportunity,” Ernst said. “Our focus on empowering our graduates to enact change has always been a hallmark of the program, and our alumni are actively driving sustainability efforts around the globe.”
The Impact MBA, which evolved from the Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise MBA, has equipped graduates to lead transformation in any organization. While some graduates have leveraged their summer practicum to develop successful startups, others are working in for-profit businesses such as Google and Natural Grocers, nonprofits like the Nature Conservancy and government agencies including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the U.S. State Department and the National Park Service.
