SDSU Sage Project Searches for New Community Partnership
SDSUs Sage Project is accepting applications from potential community partners for the 2018-19 academic year.
The Sage Project offers a one-year partnership between SDSU and a local municipality. Students enrolled in courses across many disciplines engage in projects that directly address the partner community’s goals and contribute to the quality of life of residents in that community.
“The community partner benefits from a truly interdisciplinary effort towards developing solutions for the community that are based on best practice, are cost effective, and enhance quality of life for residents,” said Jessica Barlow, director of SDSU’s Sage Project.
The Sage Project’s partnership allows students to engage in projects that are complex, challenging and relevant. More than 500 students participate each year in a Sage Project partnership.
“They have a broader audience for sharing their ideas, designs and solutions, and they see the stakes are higher because a community is counting on them to help make positive change,” said Barlow.
Sage Project success
The Sage Project recently partnered with the City of Lemon Grove to improve livability in that community. The project engaged students from 32 courses across 12 different academic disciplines, as well as 19 faculty members. Some of the highlights from the collaboration with Lemon Grove are:- The design and installation of an art mural on the city’s community center. A second installation is scheduled later this month.
- Geographic information systems (GIS) mapping of thousands of data points throughout the city, including sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, street segments, bike lanes and trees.
- Application of a United Nations Habitat toolkit to aid the city in climate action planning. Lemon Grove is the first North American city to apply the toolkit, and students were able to interact with UN Habitat staff as part of this project.
- Graphic design and engineering students designed gateway signage for the city that is currently being implemented.
