The Internship as a Catalyst for Civic Engagement Using experiential education to depolarize the political climate.

Main Article Content

Rebecca Burwell
Mackenzi Huyser
Don DeGraaf

Abstract

In a time of record polarization and the questioning of the value of higher education, the internship plays an important and positive role in developing the civic minded graduate.  Utilizing best practices in experiential education, an internship nurtures important civic skills in students and an orientation towards the common good.  Through focus groups and surveys, our three-year research project found that internship sites and supervisors are integral partners in nurturing a student's ability to engage their communities.  An internship, as an incubator for civic skills, is a valuable educational contribution to society.  

Article Details

How to Cite
Burwell, R., Huyser, M., & DeGraaf, D. (2024). The Internship as a Catalyst for Civic Engagement: Using experiential education to depolarize the political climate. Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 7(3). Retrieved from https://journals.calstate.edu/elthe/article/view/3945
Section
Peer-Reviewed Articles
Author Biographies

Rebecca Burwell, Trinity Christian College/Chicago Semester

Rebecca Burwell, PhD, is the Director of Academic Programs and Student Life, Chicago Semester at Trinity Christian College.

Mackenzi Huyser, Trinity Christian College/Chicago Semester

Mackenzi Huyser, PhD, is Executive Director, Chicago Semester at Trinity Christian College.

Don DeGraaf, Chicago Semester

Donald Degraaf, PhD. is affiliated with the Chicago Semester at Trinity Christian College.