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:
Southern Grounds
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.
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.
Family Foundations
Leverage your personal connections and family values for development.
Definition: Experiences within students' family or personal networks that allow them to learn and grow. These could include mentorship, family businesses, or cultural events that tie into their learning.
Beyond Borders
Evoke a sense of exploration and growth beyond familiar boundaries.
Definition: Learning experiences outside the state, including study-away/ abroad programs, national internships, travel-based service, or professional conferences and/ or workshops.
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.