Experiential Learning at Pitt

What Is Experiential Learning? 

At the University of Pittsburgh, experiential learning is defined as an intentionally designed educational process in which learners engage in activities which are connected to real-world contexts.

Through collaboration with others, students engage in structured guidance and feedback, critical reflection, and integrate theory with practice to develop new knowledge, skills, perspectives, and values in ways that are rigorous, meaningful, and transferable.

Through experiential learning, students gain the ability to:

• Use their ideas, creativity, and skills to design, create, or produce work that addresses real challenges or communicates meaningful ideas.
• Approach problems with curiosity and critical thinking, using what they learn in the classroom to better understand and respond to real–world situations.
• Work with and learn from people, organizations, and communities, while understanding how local experiences connect to broader social and global issues.
• Take responsibility for their work and actions, collaborate effectively with others, and act with integrity in professional and community settings.

Experiential learning connects theory to practice and advances Pitt’s priorities in student success, career readiness, civic engagement, and academic distinction. For these reasons, experiential learning opportunities must include:

1. Clearly articulated learning outcomes 
2. Active skill development and engagement beyond observation
3. Structured reflection connecting experience to defined learning outcomes

Experiential learning may occur within or beyond the classroom and includes opportunities such as internships, community-engaged learning, undergraduate research, clinical or field experiences, global learning, applied capstone projects, making activities, among others. It is defined by intentional design, not location or modality.

An outgrowth of the work of the General Education Reform Task Force, this focus on experiential learning works hand-in-hand with the core general education curriculum to help students become more well-rounded citizens and scholars. Together they offer students integrative approaches to develop foundational knowledge, skills, and habits of mind while building competencies for personal and professional success.

Experiential Learning Community of Practice

The Experiential Learning Community of Practice brings together faculty and staff from across the University of Pittsburgh who are interested in advancing experiential learning for undergraduate students. Through regular meetings, collaborative discussions, and shared resources, the Community of Practice supports the development of meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect academic learning with real-world application.

The Community of Practice works to strengthen experiential learning across Pitt by:

• Sharing effective practices: Exchange ideas, resources, and strategies for designing and supporting high-quality experiential learning opportunities.
• Supporting faculty and course development: Help faculty integrate active engagement, clearly defined learning outcomes, and structured reflection into experiential learning courses.
• Building partnerships: Strengthen connections with community and industry partners to expand opportunities for students.
• Advancing university-wide initiatives: Contribute to the development of experiential learning resources, student recognition opportunities, and programming that highlights student learning and achievement.

Faculty and staff across Pitt's campuses who are interested in experiential learning are welcome to participate by joining the Microsoft Teams environment. The Community of Practice provides a space to connect with colleagues, share expertise, and help shape the future of experiential learning at Pitt.

Save the Date: Experiential Learning Week 2027

March 22–26, 2027

The University of Pittsburgh will celebrate Experiential Learning Week in spring 2027! This weeklong series of events will highlight the diverse ways Pitt students connect classroom learning with hands-on experiences, real-world challenges, and community engagement.

Building on the success of the 2026 Experiential Learning Student Showcase, this year’s expanded celebration will feature opportunities to explore student projects, recognize experiential learning across the University, and connect with the faculty, staff, and partners who make these experiences possible.

More details about events and participation opportunities will be shared soon. Save the date and join us in celebrating experiential learning at Pitt!

Experiential Learning Student Showcase

The inaugural Experiential Learning Student Showcase took place March 18, 2026, in the Tansky Family Commons at Hillman Library. The pilot program highlighted the variety of hands-on learning opportunities that exist around the University. Learn more about the showcase.

Digital Directory of Opportunities and Events at Pitt

Experiential learning at Pitt is so full of opportunity that a one-day showcase couldn't contain them all, so we are developing an experiential learning digital directory. Learn more about types of experiences and how to submit your Pitt experiential learning offerings for inclusion in the directory.