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Four Bard MBA in Sustainability students have been selected as 2026 EDF Climate Corps Fellows — joining one of the most recognized fellowship programs in climate and corporate sustainability.
This summer, the fellows will work on projects related to emissions reduction, sustainability strategy, waste diversion, and climate reporting while helping organizations turn sustainability goals into measurable action.
The 2026 Bard MBA EDF Climate Corps Fellows are:
- Annie Keating — working with Wilsonart on supplier engagement and Scope 3 emissions inventory development.
- Wendy Lau — working with Vivos Holdings on Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions data and readiness for Science Based Targets.
- Emerson Sarmiento — working with JLL on tenant compliance with green lease provisions and portfolio-wide sustainability improvements.
- Eric Sargent — working with Greystar on waste diversion strategies for its residential portfolio.
These placements reflect the growing demand for professionals who can combine business strategy, climate literacy, and operational execution.
What is the EDF Climate Corps Fellowship?
Hosted by Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Climate Corps places graduate students and emerging professionals inside companies and organizations working on sustainability and climate initiatives.
Fellows support projects tied to emissions reduction, energy management, sustainable operations, and corporate sustainability strategy. The program is widely recognized because it gives participants direct experience implementing sustainability solutions inside real organizations.
Why EDF Climate Corps Matters in Sustainability Careers
EDF Climate Corps is important because it gives aspiring sustainability leaders the chance to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting. Rather than studying climate strategy only in theory, fellows help organizations implement it in practice.
The fellowship is also valuable because it signals credibility in the sustainability field. Many alumni use the experience to launch careers in corporate sustainability, ESG, consulting, climate policy, and environmental leadership. For students pursuing careers in sustainability and climate leadership, it has become one of the clearest pathways into the field.
What kinds of projects do EDF Fellows work on?
EDF Fellows work on projects that help organizations implement sustainability and climate initiatives. Projects vary by industry, but most focus on operational and strategic sustainability challenges.
Common fellowship project areas include:
- Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions analysis.
- Supplier engagement and decarbonization planning.
- Waste diversion and circular economy strategies.
- Green leasing and building performance.
- Climate disclosure and Science Based Targets support.
This mix of business, environmental, and analytical work makes the fellowship especially valuable for MBA students.
How the Bard MBA in Sustainability Prepares Students for Climate Leadership
The Bard MBA in Sustainability prepares students for careers at the intersection of business, climate, and systems change. The program combines MBA training with a sustainability-focused lens, helping students build skills in finance, management, reporting, systems thinking, and organizational leadership.
That combination makes Bard MBA students strong candidates for opportunities like EDF Climate Corps, where organizations are looking for professionals who can connect sustainability goals with practical implementation. From emissions analysis and climate reporting to operational strategy and stakeholder engagement, fellows are expected to translate climate commitments into measurable action.
The continued selection of Bard MBA students for EDF Climate Corps reflects the program’s emphasis on applied learning, sustainability leadership, and real-world problem solving. For students pursuing careers in corporate sustainability, climate strategy, ESG, or responsible business, these fellowships provide both hands-on experience and valuable professional networks.
*Author’s note: Portions of this article were drafted with the assistance of AI technology and reviewed for accuracy and clarity by Bard College staff.
