East Stroudsburg University Launches Work-Based Learning Program
East Stroudsburg University's new Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to bridge academic learning with real-world career experiences.
About the Program
This program is part of a three-year pilot funded by the Strada Education Foundation and guided by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Foundation. ESU's WBL program aims to prepare students for the workforce by intentionally integrating academic coursework and career on-ramp activities with real-world industry partners.
By following different tracks, students will be able to take advantage of paid experiences where they can practice and demonstrate what they have learned before they graduate. This project establishes ESU as an "anchor university" in work-based learning, supporting both students and employers in the region.
One of Five PASSHE Universities & Campuses
ESU is one of five PASSHE universities & campuses leading this initiative, alongside Cheyney, Slippery Rock, Commonwealth, and Shippensburg universities. ESU's focus will primarily be on the northeast region of PA.
ESU's WBL programs are designed to give students the following benefits:
- Early career preparation, Developing professional skills, and being exposed to workplace standards.
- Progressive Learning Approach: By integrating WBL into every phase of a student's academic career, they improve their practical abilities and prepare for obstacles they may face in the real world.
- Paid Opportunities: As more paid experiences become available, people may improve their economic mobility and build their resumes simultaneously.
- Industry Partnerships: Working with companies to ensure that workforce demands are met by education.
How the Program Works
The four main stages of ESU's WBL program are intended to offer organized learning experiences:
- First Year: Overview of fundamental professional skills and career pathways.
- Second Year: Studying industrial positions and work environments.
- Third Year: Putting academic knowledge to use through fieldwork and internships.
- Fourth Year: More complex, hands-on experiences include research projects, clinical, and student teaching.
Students can participate through:
- Academic Coursework Integration (specific courses may involve practical job experiences).
- Plans for Student Organization Subscriptions: (workshops and activities geared toward careers).
- Individualized WBL Pathways for Students: (through co-curricular activities).
Key Program Features
- Career Education Workshops – Resume building, networking, job search strategies, and more.
- Digital Badges – Earn credentials for completing WBL milestones.
- Equity-Based Mini Grants – Financial support to remove barriers to participation.
- Employer Partnerships – Working together with companies to provide industry-focused educational programs.
Get Involved!
Individualized WBL Pathways for Students
Sign up through WarriorFish and begin your WBL journey today! WarriorFish, let us know that you are interested in the WBL Program. You will be placed on the Individualized Track.
- Identify career objective
- Complete a job simulation activity (via Forage)
- Participate in a series of co-curricular activities, including lecture series, research, conferences/symposiums, service learning, and leadership training.
- Complete the WBL Individual Student Feedback Form for each of your assigned activities
Employers
Partner with ESU to provide hands-on training and recruitment opportunities. You can be a part of one of our industry consortiums. Learn how they work by taking a look at our Hospitality Consortium as an example. Contact Dean Sylvester Williams at swilliams@esu.edu or (570) 422-3589 for your next steps.
Link Your Activities
Link to EastStroudsburgUniversity (Facebook) and ESUniversity (Instagram).
Show your support by including #workbasedlearning and #studentsuccess in social media posts and mentions.
