Experiential Learning Tomorrow

Students see room for more development in Experiential Learning such as easier access for first-year students, additional support for community engagement, and more programs specifically designed to bring first-generation students into the fold. Summer undergraduate research and Trinity-sponsored internship programs continue to expand. This year (2019), the summer programs have a combined 251 students: 145 researchers and 106 interns. The Mellon Initiative provides more diverse programs each year with the goal to provide a greater number of students research experience. In 2014, Trinity sponsored 153 summer Experiential Learning students, and 251 in 2018, thanks in large part to The 2014 Strategic Plan. This plan highly emphasized and encouraged the growth of Experiential Learning, officially recognizing it as one of the University’s core goals. As a result of these efforts, Experiential Learning has flourished as a part of the Trinity curriculum. From humble origins, Experiential Learning has evolved from an unrecognized learning approach into a cornerstone of education at Trinity University.