Saunders Summer Sustainability Certificate Program
5 week Certificate Program
Program date: June 28th – August 2nd
Your Summer of Innovation Awaits!
Join our immersive sustainability certificate program.
Dive headfirst into the world of circular economy entrepreneurship, experiencing the thrill of turning ideas into reality. This program is your chance to unlock your potential and shape your future. This is your chance to transform your passion into purpose.
About the Saunders Summer Sustainability Certificate Program
The Saunders Summer Sustainability Certificate Program at RIT Saunders College of Business is an enriching academic program designed for high-achieving students worldwide, offering an immersive experience at one of the United States' premier technological institutes. Spanning five weeks, participants engage in courses taught by RIT faculty, reside on the RIT campus, and form connections with a diverse cohort of peers from across the globe.
Beyond academics, the Saunders Summer Sustainability Certificate Program offers weekly cultural excursions within the vibrant Rochester area and beyond. Explore iconic landmarks, scenic state parks, experiencing the rich cultural tapestry of the region firsthand.
Program Criteria
Currently enrolled in an accredited university as either an undergraduate or graduate student. Students will be required to submit enrollment verification from their home university with their application
Cumulative GPA equivalent to a B or higher as reflected on a home university transcript
Committed to developing your entrepreneurial and innovative spirit!
Currently enrolled RIT Rochester students interested in enrolling in the summer classes should speak with their academic advisor directly regarding registration.
Currently enrolled RIT students holding a student visa should also review full-time equivalency requirements with an ISS advisor.
RIT Rochester students will be assessed RIT tuition rates following published rates and policies for enrollment in the summer classes.
RIT Rochester students will individually manage their housing, meals, health insurance, and other fees following RIT policies and procedures.
RIT Rochester students will not be included in the program-specific housing, meals, health insurance, or activities unless requested or otherwise noted by the program administrators and should reach out to request details about these program costs if interested.
What You’ll Study
Circular Entrepreneurship (3 U.S. Semester Credits; MGMT-489)
This course studies the process of creating new ventures on the basis of circular economy principles, with an emphasis on understanding the concept of circular economy, the existing tools for opportunity recognition such as material flow analysis and life cycle assessments, the different circular economy business models to implement to generate environmental, consumer and business values.
Applied Entrepreneurship and Commercialization (3 U.S. Semester Credits; MGMT-470)
This unique undergraduate course enables students to learn the entrepreneurial (value creation) process by advancing a business idea. The course provides seminars focusing on customer discovery and business model development and coaching mentoring sessions with an established entrepreneur/early stage marketer. The project is team based. Students may enter the course with a business concept or be integrated into an existing team in the course.
Program Highlights
Premier Education
RIT, a national leader in professional and career-oriented education, offers a vibrant learning environment for talented, ambitious, and creative students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Cutting-edge Campus
RIT boasts one of the most sophisticated and high-tech campuses in the United States, continuously investing in and upgrading its infrastructure. From classroom technology to on-campus housing and recreational amenities, participants are encouraged to take full advantage of RIT's top-notch facilities.
Fun travel excursions
A few program excursions will be offered to introduce participants to the lovely greater Rochester community. Excursions will include a visit to the U.S. side of the amazing Niagara Falls State Park. Participants will have time to explore and take a boat ride right up to the base of the falls on the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour. Other excursions may include a trip down the Erie Canal to view the beautiful scenery as you enjoy dinner and learn about the history of the Rochester area. A hike and picnic in Letchworth State Park, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Enjoy incredible views of the Genesee River and three major waterfalls as you walk through the forest and along the gorges. And a bus tour of the City of Rochester followed by an evening at Rochester Red Wings Baseball Game at Frontier Field or a visit to The Strong Museum of Play.
Recreational Opportunities
Stay active and fit with access to the Field House, featuring indoor tennis and squash courts, playing fields, an all-weather track, an aquatic center, and a fully equipped fitness center.
Diverse Dining Choices
RIT Dining Services provides a wide variety of foods to suit cultural, religious, and diverse dietary needs, including international and regional cuisines, Halal and vegetarian options, and self-cooking options.
Global Village Residence
Enjoy RIT's newest and most popular residential and commercial complex, Global Village, featuring suite-style housing with single bedrooms, full kitchens, meeting spaces, wireless internet access, laundry facilities, and more. Global Village offers a global food market, hair salon, gift shop, and dining options, while its courtyard is perfect for relaxing during beautiful summer nights with a fire pit, stage for concerts, lounge chairs, heated outdoor seating, and even a beach volleyball court.
Program Costs
Program date: June 28th – August 2nd
Non-RIT International Student Program Cost
Accepted students will receive a detailed budget outlining all costs, including RIT tuition rates and scholarships, and a payment schedule. Students will participate in-person as non-degree students at RIT and will be issued a DS-2019 for a J-1 visa application. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate from Saunders College of Business and an RIT transcript reflecting the course credits and earned grades.
RIT Global Campus Student Program Cost
Discounts apply! Accepted Global Campus students will be charged their home campus tuition rate for the 6-credits in addition to a program fee inclusive of housing, on-campus meal plan, required student health insurance, and program excursions! Additionally, they will be issued an I-20 document for an F-1 visa application and upon completion of the program, will receive a certificate from Saunders College of Business.
Apply today and receive a more detailed budget worksheet or contact us below!
Application deadline: May 5, 2025