At Southern Connecticut State University, we are committed to fostering an environment where students actively engage in meaningful, hands-on, and collaborative learning experiences. Our goal is to ignite a passion for lifelong learning while equipping students to become proactive, impactful members of their communities. Through a wide range of experiential programs, we aim to develop socially responsible, well-rounded individuals who are prepared to navigate and address the challenges of an ever-evolving global landscape.
What is Experience Learning
At Southern, experiential learning is a cornerstone of career readiness and personal development. At SCSU, Experiential Learning is an educational method centered on direct, hands-on involvement and real-world experiences, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge, skills, and concepts in practical, authentic situations.
The SOUTHERN EDGE program empowers students to gain hands-on experience through four distinct pathways built for the individuality of our students:
NACE Career Readiness Competencies
In today's rapidly evolving work landscape, experiential learning is critical for career readiness, equipping students with industry-relevant skills, adaptive attitudes, and new ways of thinking. The NACE Career Readiness Competencies provide a framework of essential skills that align with experiential learning at SCSU, ensuring students are prepared for the modern workforce.
These competencies include:
- Career & Self-Development: Encouraging continuous personal and professional growth through learning, self-awareness, and networking.
- Communication: Effectively exchanging ideas and information in various professional settings.
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing and responding to complex situations with logical and informed
- solutions.
- Equity & Inclusion: Engaging equitably with people from diverse cultures and participating in anti-racist practices.
- Leadership: Leveraging personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
- Professionalism: Demonstrating effective work habits that contribute to both workplace and community success.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with others, valuing diverse perspectives, and sharing responsibilities.
- Technology: Utilizing digital tools ethically and efficiently to achieve objectives.
Aligning Career Readiness Competencies with Experiential Learning
In the fast-changing educational and professional landscapes, experiential learning is key to developing the NACE competencies at SCSU. By integrating real-world experiences into the curriculum, faculty and career professionals help students develop career and self-management skills, effective communication strategies, and critical thinking abilities. Experiential learning promotes Equity & Inclusion by immersing students in diverse environments, teaching them to engage meaningfully with different perspectives. Leadership and teamwork skills are cultivated through collaborative projects, while technology-based experiences ensure students are proficient with digital tools. By embedding these competencies within experiential learning, SCSU prepares students to navigate the evolving demands of the workforce with confidence.
*Learn more about the NACE competencies, as well as resources and information on how to align all the competencies with the curriculum.
Southern Grounds
Build your skills right here on campus. Foster a sense of belonging and embedded yourself in all that we offer at home. Definition: Opportunities for experiential learning right here on campus. This includes internships, research, student employment/ FWS, service-learning, or leadership roles in campus organizations.
Internships and Experiential Learning Opportunities @ SCSU
Internships for Credit
Non-Academic Internships
External Experiential Learning Options
Research Projects
Academic Experiences @ SCSU
Student Teaching
Clinical Experiences
Capstone Projects
Community Connections
Build partnerships, your network and make an impact in our local community. Definition: Engagements with the local community to apply learning in real-world contexts. Examples include volunteering, local internships, partnerships with nonprofits, or small business projects. Impact your local community while gaining hands-on experience.
Service Learning and Student Involvement @ SCSU\
Service Learning
Student Involvement and Leadership
Family Foundations
Grow through experiences within your family or personal network.
Personal and Family-Based Experiential Learning
Caregiving Responsibilities
Volunteer Work or Community Service (Family Involvement)
Cultural Experiences
Starting or Assisting with a Family Business
Managing Family Events or Projects
Beyond Borders
Explore opportunities beyond state lines for transformative experiences.
Beyond Border Experiences
Study Abroad Programs
National and International Internships
Travel-Based Service Learning or Volunteer Opportunities
Professional Conferences and Workshops
Cultural Immersion and Study Tours
Work and Travel Programs
Global Competitions and Challenges
Global Fellowships or Study Grants
Global Industry Experience and International Networking
SCSU Resources
Strengthening Skills for the Future.
The Value of Experiential Learning at SCSU
NACE 8 Career Ready Skills
Resources to Support Career Exploration
These resources are designed to assist students in starting their career exploration journey. Access local wage and employment data, discover education opportunities aligned with your career path, and browse live job postings. Open resources for students to learn more about career paths and industry areas are: