TOGETHER, LET’S DEVELOP SKILLED LEADERS AND GLOBAL THINKERS TO RE-ENVISION OUR COMMUNITY

Experiential learning encompasses the many ways in which students can actively apply theory and academic content to real-world experiences, either within the classroom, community or workplace. These opportunities advance course-based learning outcomes, encourage the reflection and application of skills for the workplace, and 86% of recent Canadian graduates say they ease the transition to a successful career (Abacus Data). 

As a key economic and social anchor in the community, Trent Durham is committed to providing career experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Current career-boosting experiences at our Durham campus include field placements, internships, case studies, capstone projects, volunteer opportunities, labs and more. 

Field placements and internships expose students to new career interests, help develop job skills and expand professional networks.  Through case studies and capstone projects, Trent Durham faculty and students help tackle some of the area’s most pressing issues alongside external partners such as the City of Oshawa and the Region of Durham. In addition, these projects also increase the capacity of local agencies to meet the needs of its citizens and deepen students’ understanding of their community, adding to their civic literacy skills. Student research and projects help develop new programming, identify new clients, and attract new funding streams for vital non-profit and social service agencies. It’s easy to see how experiential learning is a clear win-win for the entire region. 

But as programs and enrollment at the Trent Durham campus continue to grow, so too will the need to defray the added costs associated with experiential learning. For some students, travel outside the region, technology requirements, missed paid work days, childcare costs, and disabilities can become a barrier to accessing these vital opportunities. Funds are also needed to increase the number of undergraduate-level research assistants to expand student opportunities in applied research partnerships.  

As we face the impacts of COVID-19, equipping students with transferrable skills and real-world experiences will help drive a competitive economy by providing a highly-skilled, agile and adaptable workforce. 

With your help, we can increase experiential learning opportunities to hone the skills and broaden the minds of our growing student community.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Credit-based: Enhance an existing fund or create your own named endowment to offset the added costs associated with in-course experiential learning or research assistantship opportunities for students in financial need.
• A $15,000 endowed donation will provide $500 to support up to two students annually
• A $30,000 endowed donation will provide $1,000 to support up to four students annually

Non-credit based: Fund a Research Assistantship (non-course based) to allow students from all disciplines to participate in applied research partnerships.
• $6,000 provides a 12-week research assistantship for one student
• $8,000 provides a 16-week research assistantship for one student