Empowering Future Innovators: Introducing the Sustainable Enterprise Curriculum

By Isabelle Rajewski-Samko and Simone Slykhous

G.O.A.T Totes is a green business created by juniors of Marin School of Environmental Leadership.

Only 21 percent of teachers feel "very informed" about climate change, according to a recent survey conducted by the North American Association for Environmental Education, leaving 79 percent of educators less confident. 

Recognizing this challenge, SEI’s Energize Schools program is excited to announce a recently updated course: the Sustainable Enterprise Course Curriculum. This high school course is designed to equip educators climate-related coursework so they may become more informed and confident facilitating meaningful conversations with their eager students. 

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At the heart of the Sustainable Enterprise Curriculum  is a commitment to experiential learning, interdisciplinary education, and real-world application. The Sustainable Enterprise course offers students a unique opportunity to develop their own green businesses, from conceptualization to launch. By engaging in activities such as prototype design, "Shark Tank"-style presentations, and business launch events, students gain practical experience in sustainable entrepreneurship. 

“I learned the financial side of business from the class,” said Ella C., a former student, “but I also learned personal skills such as engaging potential customers and aesthetic product design and advertisement. I could use creativity and build on my collaboration skills.”

The curriculum is structured around questions that encourage critical thinking and exploration. Through guided inquiry and discussion, students develop a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between business, society, and the environment.

This course has inspired students like Marco G. to study business in college. "During this course, my sustainable clothing business Dos Marcos was selected to carry out as a true business for the rest of the semester," said Marco. "Being CEO, I was constantly learning the ins and outs of what it takes to run a business, and be a successful entrepreneur." 

The Sustainable Enterprise Curriculum is divided into modules that cover a range of topics including sustainable business practices, ethical decision-making, and environmental stewardship. What sets this curriculum apart is its interdisciplinary nature, allowing educators to integrate sustainability concepts into classrooms beyond the traditional science curriculum. 

Our intention in sharing this curriculum is twofold: to support teachers, of all subjects, in seamlessly integrating climate education into their classrooms and school curriculum and to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to collectively pave the way for a more informed and sustainable future for all.

Please email [email protected] to learn more or click here to request access to the full curriculum. ​