Sage Project Success
Students will showcase the results of their course-based work in National City at the April 27 symposium.
Over the past two years, 55 classes, 35 faculty members and more than 2,000 students across 23 disciplines have worked to modernize and improve National City — this has all been made possible by a San Diego State University initiative called The Sage Project.
During a symposium, on Monday, April 27, President Elliot Hirshman and National City Mayor Ron Morrison as well as SDSU students, faculty, staff and members of the community will celebrate the success of the partnership which has given students the opportunity to tackle community issues with city officials.
“This has been an opportunity for faculty and students to work together on projects that can make a real difference in a community,” said Jessica Barlow, director of The Sage Project.
In addition, The Sage Project will announce its new city partner for the 2015-16 academic year.
“These are transformational experiences for students. They’re provided with opportunities to present their creative ideas, designs and solutions to a broader audience. And likewise, the city benefits from thousands of hours of that creative student effort toward their high-priority projects.”
The event will feature a presentation of successful student work — from disciplines ranging from city planning, civil engineering, and public health to graphic design, political science, public administration, and recreation and tourism management — that will enhance National City communities, including:
- Branding
- Homelessness and policy alternatives
- Strategic planning
- Sustainable practices for local businesses and organizations
- Marina district redevelopment
- Public Records Act protocols
- El Toyon bicycle route
- Air quality and greenhouse gas reduction
A special presentation runs from 4 to 5 p.m. and the symposium and celebration takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 27 in Montezuma Hall at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. The event is free and open to the public.
About the Sage Project
In fall 2013, SDSU's Center for Regional Sustainability debuted the Community Engagement for Sustainable Cities program — an extensive collaboration designed to help National City reach its sustainability goals.
While the name was later changed to The Sage Project, the goals remained the same —students, through their coursework, engage in meaningful real-world projects that contribute to the smart growth, quality of life and sustainability goals of a community in SDSU's service area.
