Importance of Experiential Learning For Firstgeneration And Minority College Students

Jason Treadway, Director - STEM Institute at Dallas College

Experiential learning, a hands-on approach to education, is an important part of a student’s academic journey because it embeds knowledge through experiences, making learning more effective, engaging, and memorable. While this holds true for all, it is especially pivotal for firstgeneration and minority college students. This group, often navigating the complex terrain of higher education without a family blueprint, benefits significantly from learning experiences that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application. Experiential learning offers these students a bridge between academic concepts and realworld applications, enhancing their educational journey and preparing them for post-graduate success. In this article we will discuss several key reasons why experiential learning key to the college experience as well as present examples of successful experiential learning opportunities at Dallas College.

The academic journey and subsequent path to a professional career can be formidable for first-generation and minority students. Experiential learning aids in the demystification of the academic ecosystem and by participating in internships, cooperative education, service learning, and research projects, these students gain a deeper understanding of their fields of study. This handson approach allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, making the abstract more tangible and understandable. It not only reinforces classroom learning but also brings clarity to complex concepts, which is essential for students who may not have the same academic support systems at home as their peers.

Experiential learning is instrumental in building confidence among first-generation and minority college students. The transition to college can be challenging, from navigating imposter syndrome to overcoming doubts about belonging. Engaging in practical experiences where they can see the fruits of their labor helps build self-efficacy. Successfully navigating the challenges of a real-world project or work environment fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging in their academic and future professional communities. This boost in confidence is crucial for encouraging persistence towards degree completion.

For first-generation and minority college students, career exploration and professional development are also significant benefits of experiential learning. Many of these students may be unaware of the breadth of career opportunities available to them. Experiential learning provides a platform for career exploration, allowing students to test drive careers, develop professional skills, and build networking connections. These experiences can be pivotal in shaping their professional paths and ambitions, providing clarity and direction often absent in their familial or community circles.

Additionally, experiential learning promotes social integration within the campus community. First-generation college students often face challenges in navigating the social aspects of higher education. Through group projects, research teams, and other experiential learning opportunities, they develop interpersonal skills and establish meaningful relationships with peers and faculty. These connections enhance their educational experience, provide a support network, and facilitate their integration into the academic community.

At Dallas College, our student population mirrors the faces of Dallas County with 49% Hispanic, 20% Black, 9% Asian, 17% White, and 5% Other. Among these students, X% identify as first-generation. Experiential learning plays an important role in outside of the classroom learning and supports a student’s academic journey positively impacting persistence and completion. Within our system, we have numerous experiential learning opportunities available to students, however two examples, the mINiTERN Program and UR@DC, stand out for their strategic design, ease of implementation, scalability, and impact.

The mINiTERN program was developed in response to the need for internship opportunities for two-year college students. Typically, internships serve second-semester junior and senior level students who have a short time horizon to enter the workforce. Thus, by design, the traditional internship model overlooks freshman and sophomore level students.

The mINiTERN is a 10-week externship program where students work as a small team under the supervision of a faculty advisor and direction of a host company. The host company provides students with a project, typically a perspective business opportunity, where they research and make recommendations to company leadership through a final end-of- semester presentation. For students, the mINiTERN program helps build essential soft skills such as teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, and project management. It is also a resume builder and pathway to potential paid opportunities, internship or employment, offered through the host companies. Employers benefit by getting to know the students through extended interaction which helps them identify future talent that matches the culture of their workplace. They also benefit by having the students evaluate a future business opportunity providing essential baseline knowledge gained through a fresh, outsidethe- company perspective. Students who have participated in the mINiTERN program have gone on to paid opportunities including internships and employment with their respective host companies.

UR@DC was created out of a growing demand for community college students to participate in summer Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) Programs hosted by four-year institutions and funded through the National Science Foundation. Internally, we noticed that our students were hesitant to apply for such programs because they lacked confidence and the basic skills to perform research. As a result, UR@DC was developed to help students build foundational research knowledge and skills through multiple levels of engagement, from one-day workshops to multi-week research projects which are facilitated by Dallas College faculty. The program allows students to develop their skills in a safe, peersupportive environment that builds confidence and sense of belonging. Since implementation, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of students applying to and being accepted into summer REU programs.

Overall, experiential learning is invaluable for all students but particularly impactful for first-generation and minority college students. It not only enhances their understanding of academic concepts through practical application but also builds confidence, aids in career exploration, and promotes social integration. By providing a more holistic educational experience, experiential learning equips these students with the tools necessary for academic and professional success, contributing to the breaking of cycles of educational disadvantage and propelling them toward a brighter future.

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