Experiential Learning
Hands-on, immersive opportunities that help students connect classroom learning with real-world application
About this approach
Experiential learning integrates academic knowledge with real-world contexts to deepen understanding, foster purpose, and build practical skills. These approaches include internships, undergraduate research, community-based projects, service learning, and campus employment that is intentionally structured to support learning. By connecting coursework with meaningful application, experiential learning helps students explore who they are, what they value, and how they want to contribute. When designed equitably and at scale, these experiences can increase agency, motivation, and post-graduate readiness for all students.
LearningWell Magazine Articles
Lehigh360 Offers Students a Wide-Angle View
Democratizing access to study abroad, research, and internships through a centralized database at Lehigh University
From Paycheck to Purpose
Transforming on-campus student jobs through online learning modules and intentional supervisor mentorship with ASU's Work+ program
Research and Belonging at UMaine
Offering first-year students research opportunities in small seminars to build skills, connections, and belonging at UMaine
Experience U
Making experiential learning a curricular requirement for all students enabled by equity-driven grants at Nazareth University
UF Quest Hits Its Stride
Exploring "wicked questions" in faculty-driven, discussion-based general education courses at University of Florida
LearningWell Radio Episodes
Invented Here | John Volin, University of Maine
How University of Maine is introducing research experiences to first-year students to enhance belonging, wellbeing, and retention
Videos
Student Employment with Work+
Arizona State University
Research Learning Experiences
University of Maine
Ignite Talk: Increased Access with Lehigh360
Lehigh University
Best Practices
Research Learning Experiences (RLE)
The UMS TRANSFORMS Student Success and Retention Initiative, with funding from a grant provided by the Harold Alfond Foundation, supports a developmental pathway based upon three sub-initiatives: Research Learning Experiences (RLEs), Gateways to Success (GTS), and Pathways to Careers (PTC). The Research Learning Experiences (RLE) program is a signature sub-initiative of the University of Maine […]
University of Maine System