NYCLab
NYCLab is a key component of the Bard MBA in Sustainability curriculum. Working in teams of 4-6, students engage in consultancies for New York City area businesses, government agencies and nonprofits. Each consulting team is mentored by a faculty member and will leverage Bard College’s extensive resources and expertise. For more information see our FAQs below.
2012-2013 Request for Proposals is Now Open
We are currently soliciting proposals for the September 2012-May 2013 project period. The deadline for priority consideration is August 1, 2012. If you have questions about the application process or the NYCLab program, please contact Andrea Spender, Assistant Director and Faculty, (845) 758-7316 or aspender@bard.edu
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NYCLab FAQs for Clients
How does NYCLab work?
NYCLab is a key component of the Bard MBA in Sustainability curriculum. Working in teams of 4-6, students engage in consultancies for New York City-area businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits. Each consulting team is mentored by a faculty member and will leverage Bard College’s extensive resources and expertise.
Projects typically last 8 months, running September through May. Teams will develop and negotiate a Project Agreement with their client, including the definition of the scope of work, project deliverables, deadlines, and expectations for communication and information sharing.
What types of projects are you looking for?
We are looking for substantive projects that will engage a student team for 8 months on a sustainability-related business problem in the corporate, government, or non-profit space. Clients range from entrepreneurial start-ups to established organizations, and are located in New York City and surrounding area. Sample projects could include creating an overall sustainability strategy, increasing energy efficiency, or supply chain management.
As a client, what is expected of me?
Clients need to designate a primary project contact to act as the liaison for the student consulting team. The primary project contact will provide students with the information and guidance needed to effectively complete the project. The time commitment required will depend on the mutually agreed upon project scope as outlined in the Project Agreement. On average, the primary project contact will need to dedicate 1-3 hours per week to the project.
Who owns the final work products?
Clients own the final work products. Bard College will keep a copy of all work products produced by the student team for internal use only.
Is there a fee?
There is no fee for first time NYCLab clients. Student consulting teams will have a small stipend to cover incidental expenses.
When are the project proposals due?
For the 2012 - 2013 academic year, proposals are due August 1, 2012 for priority consideration.
How do I apply?
Fill out the online application.
Projects
At the beginning of each term, the MBA program solicits projects from area businesses. Students teams are assembled and matched with projects based on student interest and faculty expertise. Depending on the scope of the project, labs can run the full two semesters of the first year, or students can be involved in two consultancies, one each semester of the first year.Client Goals
Students in NYCLab apply what they are learning in their coursework as well as use the opportunity to develop additional skills and knowledge to support the goals of their client. The sample schedule illustrates how students devote at least 6 hours of each residency to work on their NYCLab projects. On-line collaboration, research, and writing in the inter-residency period help advance the project.NYC is your lab
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