About Sapphire

Sapphire Leadership Academic Program at Penn State has a specialized curriculum, dedicated program adviser, access to business leaders and a collaborative learning environment.

Sapphire Leadership Academic Program

The Sapphire Leadership Academic Program is designed for high-achieving students who have been accepted to the Smeal College of Business and would like to enhance their business school experience. By providing unique academic content, leadership and professional development opportunities, and real-world application of knowledge gained inside the classroom, the Sapphire Leadership Academic Program empowers student leaders to make an impact on business and society.

Sapphire 4 Year Roadmap

Through professional and leadership development, community service, and Sapphire involvement, the 4 year roadmap outlines the ways you will grow within Sapphire.

Year 1 – Discover The Leader Within

Courses

  • PSU 6S – First Year Seminar Business
  • MGMT 301 – Basic Management Concepts
  • FYF – First Year Fundamentals

Professional Development

  • Establish professional basics

Leadership Development

  • Awareness of Leadership Styles
  • Develop Self-Awareness
  • Developing mentorship relationship

Community Service

  • Bridge high school community service experiences to college

Sapphire Involvement

  • Use the First-Year Mentorship program for immersion into Sapphire culture and community

Year 2 – Develop Your Leadership Habits

Courses

  • BA 342 – Socially Responsible, Sustainable, and Ethical Business Practice
  • BA 297 – Issues in Business and Leadership

Professional Development

  • Career Fair Preparation
  • Professional Involvement Pursuits
  • Career Discovery and Selecting Majors

Leadership Development

  • Step into Leadership Roles
  • Develop Leadership Philosophies

Community Service

  • Establish servant leadership mindset

Sapphire Involvement

  • Find mentors within Sapphire with similar leadership and career ambitions

Year 3 – Lead With a Purpose

Courses

  • MGMT 355 – Leadership and Change in Organizations

Professional Development

  • Securing Internship/Co-op
  • Long-Term Planning
  • Personal Branding

Leadership Development

  • Leadership Reflection & Adaptability
  • Narrowing focus on leadership goals

Community Service

  • Continuation of servant leadership

Sapphire Involvement

  • Mentor Underclassmen
  • Sapphire Ambassador Program
  • Foster Sapphire Culture

Year 4 – Leave A Legacy

Courses

  • BA 411 – Analyzing Business and Industry

Professional Development

  • Transitioning from college to workplace

Leadership Development

  • Mentor underclassmen on leadership

Community Service

  • Create long-term commitments to Community Service beyond college

Sapphire Involvement

  • Mentor Underclassmen
  • Sapphire Ambassador Program

Dedicated Program Adviser

All Sapphire students have a dedicated adviser in the Undergraduate Education Office. Your adviser is responsible for monitoring your progress to ensure completion of all requirements in the Sapphire program.

Access to Business Leaders

A critical component of the Sapphire program is providing unique access to business leaders, through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one discussions. As a Sapphire student, you will have many opportunities to connect with leaders from top companies, which will enhance your own leadership knowledge and abilities.

Collaborative Learning Environment

As part of a cohort of students with similar levels of motivation, Sapphire students benefit from a close-knit community of talent and drive. In addition to small course sections, Sapphire students are encouraged to list the Business and Society House (BASH) as a housing contract preference. In close proximity to the Business Building, residents can take advantage of study groups, mentoring programs, and a variety of social activities with their Sapphire peers.