The 2024–25 academic year has been a remarkable period for work-based learning initiatives across various institutions, thanks to the generous support of the Ascendium Education Group and Strada Education Foundation. CIC’s Work-Based Learning Consortium facilitated numerous events and programs aimed at enhancing career readiness for students and fostering collaboration between faculty members.
Throughout the year, participating institutions hosted a variety of events on campus to showcase the impact of work-based learning on students’ academic and professional development. These events provided opportunities for students to share their experiences, network with peers and professionals, and gain valuable insights into the world of work.
Positive feedback from students and faculty alike has been overwhelming. One student from Mercy University (NY) shared, “I loved the hands-on experience I got not only working on real projects but with the project partners.”
One student from Brenau University (GA) expressed their appreciation for the opportunity: “I enjoyed the process of being able to expand my network but also being able to incorporate something I am passionate about within the industry.” And one of the more fulfilling student comments came from another student from Brenau University student who said, “This is my second year participating in a class with work-based learning and I learn so much more in these classes. It helps to work with my peers on a project so that I understand the information in the class more. Then seeing people from actual companies and working with them makes me feel more invested in my work because I don’t want to let them down.”
Excitement about the Work-Based Learning consortium at Drew University (NJ) was evident this year based on an article in the Drew Acorn written by Benjamin Castro, a senior majoring in marketing and business. Drew University students saw major benefits of this partnership evidenced by comments such as, “I really enjoyed this course! It was great getting to apply the material we learned in class into a ‘real-world’ scenario,” and another emphasizing, “I loved this course because it gave me real world experience that I can put on my resume.”
In the picture above, students pose after participating in an event known as the “Bear Den,” a bi-annual event involving nearly 200 students representing seven courses in business, economics, and finance who presented final projects to panels consisting of more than 30 Drew University alumni, faculty members, and industry professionals. More information about the “Bear Den” can be found on Drew University’s website.
Faculty members also praised the initiative for its ability to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world. Faculty members at Roanoke College (VA) noted that the program helped students “develop technical and interpersonal skills employers value.”
CIC is gearing up for the next round of work-based learning initiatives. The second week of October will mark the Launch Week for Work-Based Learning, featuring a webinar for participating faculty members that will provide an opportunity for educators to learn more about integrating work-based learning into curricula and connecting with industry partners.
Additionally, CIC’s upcoming Institute for Chief Academic Officers in Indianapolis will host a Work-Based Learning Consortium panel discussion. The panel will be headlined by distinguished experts in the field, including Shatrela Washington-Hubbard of Brenau University; Joi Sampson of Mercy University; Emily Carpenter of Nazareth University; Mike Fried, senior researcher from Ithaka S+R; and Mara Woody, Riipen’s director of strategic partnerships. This event promises to be an engaging and informative session, further highlighting the importance of work-based learning in higher education.
The 2024–25 has been a success for the CIC Work-Based Learning Consortium. The positive impact on students and faculty members alike is a testament to the power of work-based learning in preparing students for their future careers. For a list of the most recent briefs regarding the campus event reports, please review Campus Events Grant Report (PDF).