Solving real-world problems. Preparing for a lifetime of community leadership.
Leadership for Sustainable Development is a next-generation, interdisciplinary degree program that combines immersive hands-on learning, career development, a liberal arts foundation, and Mercy values to transform learners into skilled 21st Century leaders.
Pick Your Track
The program goes far beyond traditional academic barriers to dig into real-world challenges – preparing our students to sustain and improve critical systems in areas of Peace & Justice, Nature & Environment, Business & Economics, and Healthcare & Wellness. Flexibility is built into the program’s DNA, making it easy to transfer in or double major.
A minor in a Leadership and Community Engagement is available and requires students to take 18-20 credits.
Pick Your Track
The program goes far beyond traditional academic barriers to dig into real-world challenges – preparing our students to sustain and improve critical systems in areas of Peace & Justice, Nature & Environment, Business & Economics, and Healthcare & Wellness. Flexibility is built into the program’s DNA, making it easy to transfer in or double major.
A minor in a Leadership and Community Engagement is available and requires students to take 18-20 credits.
Our Immersive Approach
Discover your Leadership Skills
Explore the fields that interest you most and learn how your strengths can help you succeed.
Work with Leaders
Learn from the variety of leaders who join LSC classes as subject experts and mentors.
Tackle Real-World Challenges
Build your skills and networks by working on real-world projects with local businesses, organizations, agencies, and municipalities.
Student Stories
Nhu Vo ’17
Environmental Science, Marine Studies
“To me, sustaining my community means to support, stand with, and advocate for those around us who might not be able to advocate for themselves. The word ‘sustain’ is defined as ‘to support, nourish, and strengthen’ and so in sustaining our community, we are doing the same. We are looking out for each other, we are supporting each other, and we are taking care of each other.”
Learn Skills to Build Sustainable and Resilient Communities
Leadership
Through interactive and hands-on collaborative courses, you will work with local leaders to develop leadership skills specific to your chosen tracks.
Insight
You will gain a deeper understanding of community concerns and how people are leading the way to address them.
Network
All LSC majors build strong networks throughout the program, culminating in an internship /applied experience capstone.
Partnerships and Programs
Working closely with a range of employers and community partners, graduates will be well-prepared for graduate school, government, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and poised to make a positive difference in the world.
Local Government
Work with local municipal officers on a variety of initiatives, from equitable broadband access to food insecurity and community resilience.
State Government
Mentor with legislators and elected officials and learn how government happens at the state level.
Justice Organizations
Work with organizations such as Maine Women’s Lobby, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, Maine Correctional Center, Long Creek Youth Development Center, and more.
Environmental Organizations
Work with the local water system, local lake associations, conservation commissions, and more.
Community Organizations We Work With
Local Municipalities
Local Chambers
Local and State Governments
Service and Advocacy Organizations
Healthcare Organizations
Justice Organizations
Environmental Organizations
Local For- and Non-Profit Businesses
Faculty
