Learning by Doing

A look inside the Experiential Learning Connector

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Data was provided by EL Connector staff or was collected in the EL Connector’s 2024 and 2025 baseline assessment surveys, conducted in partnership with BU’s Office of Continued Improvement & Data Analytics (CIDA). | Photo by Chris McIntosh for Boston University Photography

Arts & Sciences launched the Experiential Learning (EL) Connector in 2022 to raise awareness of internships, research, and other opportunities for students to learn by doing. In 2025, more than 3,200 undergraduate students were reached through EL Connector programs and outreach.

Awareness

CAS students familiar with the resources at the EL Connector grew from 50% in 2023-24 to 78% in 2024-25

Engagement

Student consultations conducted by EL Ambassadors increased 1,000% from 2023-24 to 2024-25. 94.9% of participants in 2024–25 who agreed that their consultation deepened their knowledge of EL.

Participation

Arts & Sciences students participated in a wide range of EL opportunities in 2024–25, some through EL Connector programs and some they found on their own.

69% Applied Coursework
81.8% Community Engagement
62% Creation & Innovation
49.4% Fieldwork
68.1% Internships
77.3% Leadership
56.8% Mentored Research
81.1% Student Employment
51.7% Study Away/Abroad

I could not have done [my internship] without the EL Connector, and that internship has led to new opportunities, opened a career path for me, and helped me find my passion.

Sean Waddington (CAS’25)
2023 Boston City Council intern,
2024 Massachusetts House of Representatives intern,
now the chief of staff for a delegate
to the Maryland General Assembly

Internship Courses
Bar chart showing progression of students who have interned due to the ELC course offering.

Many internships require that students earn credit for their participation, and international students must be enrolled in a course to be allowed to intern off campus. In spring 2024, the EL Connector began offering a course that students can take while interning—and 96 have completed it so far.

Summer Internship Support

The EL Connector helps students participate in Boston-based internships by providing housing, dining, and professional support resources.

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