SAGE

Vision

  • SAGE serves as a replicable model for community-college based sustainability programs nationwide.
  • SAGE offers programs in Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency and Farm and Food Systems.
  • SAGE promotes workforce development and new sustainability business initiatives.
  • SAGE builds thriving communities characterized by resilient energy and food systems.

Mission

SAGE‘s Mission is to educate and train students and community members in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and energy efficiency. SAGE serves as a hub for professional development and community engagement. SAGE fosters active citizen participation in food and energy decision-making and production. The Time to Act is Now.

 

For students

SAGE students at GCC explore diverse approaches to sustainability through courses and experiential learning that bring together science and technology, liberal arts and workforce development.

SAGE students major in Farm and Food Systems or Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency and make a direct impact on their communities as they move into the workforce, either upon leaving GCC or after graduating from a four-year institution. Students can study green building and landscape design; sustainable agriculture, permaculture and food systems; and energy efficiency and renewable energy.

For educators

SAGE serves as an interactive educational hub for K-12 students and teachers, civic organizations, and local residents, through dual enrollment and transfer articulations, community workshops, and on-site professional development opportunities.

SAGE improves technical education and solidifies career pathways for students in GCC’s Farm and Food Systems and Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency programs.

SAGE serves as a working model of collaboration between secondary schools, community colleges, four-year institutions and the workforce.

For our community

SAGE is closely affiliated with regional organizations in sustainable agriculture and green energy such as Western Mass Green Consortium, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), and Greening Greenfield. Local practitioners help GCC define relevant and emerging priorities for our students as future employees, prospective entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens.

SAGE hosts community stakeholder charrettes, annual meetings, and lecture series open to the public on various topics in sustainability.