2025 News 2025: Management students strengthen regional partnerships through capstone consulting projects

Experiential learning course highlights Charlton's community impact as well as student learning by experience

Students in the management capstone course at UMass Dartmouth’s Charlton College of Business spent the fall semester partnering with organizations across the SouthCoast—applying classroom concepts to real-world challenges in strategy, sustainability, nonprofit operations, and workforce development. The course, taught by Associate Teaching Professor Jacqueline Einstein, connects students with community partners to deliver meaningful, actionable solutions.

Eight student teams—comprising 28 seniors—worked with clients ranging from local nonprofits and regional initiatives to a Fortune 500 company. As a designated service-learning course supported by the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement, the capstone emphasizes hands-on consulting, stakeholder communication, and mission-driven project management. Students presented their final deliverables in December to representatives from each partner organization.

"This course continues to be one of our most impactful experiential learning programs," said Charlton College of Business Dean Madan Annavarjula. "Our students graduate with the confidence, professionalism, and real consulting experience that employers value—while also strengthening SouthCoast organizations that are essential to our regional economy."

"This course continues to be one of our most impactful experiential learning programs. Our students graduate with the confidence, professionalism, and real consulting experience that employers value—while also strengthening SouthCoast organizations that are essential to our regional economy."

Student teams worked on projects with organizations including Fastenal, the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District, Be the Solution to Pollution, World Central Kitchen, the Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau, the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, Groundwork, and Tryworks Coffeehouse and Auditorium at the First Unitarian Church in New Bedford. Each project addresses a specific organizational need, from sustainability and recycling initiatives to tourism promotion, conservation outreach, cultural programming, and entrepreneurial development.

Students partnered with the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District to encourage textile recycling through local thrift stores, helping reduce waste sent to landfills. Another team supported Be the Solution to Pollution by advancing recycling education and awareness initiatives connected to the organization’s broader environmental mission.

Students worked with World Central Kitchen to support fundraising efforts, collaborated with the Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau to help develop a database of outdoor recreation opportunities across the SouthCoast, and created informational videos for the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust to promote access to local conservation lands and trails. A team working with Tryworks Coffeehouse and Auditorium explored ways to support cultural initiatives in New Bedford, drawing on archival materials connected to UMass Dartmouth.

Students partnered with Fastenal, a Fortune 500 industrial supply company and active campus recruiter, worked with a company representative to develop coordinated strategies supporting internships, recruitment, and long-term engagement with UMass Dartmouth students.

"Professor Einstein’s course gives students meaningful exposure to real-world challenges while allowing us to connect with talented future professionals," said Fastenal Regional Recruiter, Katie Cate. "The students brought fresh perspectives and uncovered valuable insights as we worked to improve our internship program, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with UMass Dartmouth."

For Einstein, the projects highlight the value of applied learning and collaboration that define the capstone experience.

"This course challenges students to think critically, communicate professionally, and adapt their knowledge to real organizational needs," said Einstein. "Seeing students grow in confidence and capability as the semester progresses is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching this course."

Dean Annavarjula praised Einstein’s legacy of experiential learning leadership.  

"Professor Einstein has shaped generations of business leaders," he said. "Her commitment to applied learning, service, and student success has elevated the Charlton College of Business in countless ways. We are deeply grateful for her contributions."

Management students strengthen regional partnerships through capstone consulting projects

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