Experiential Learning at Mount Aloysius College is a method of instruction in which students learn the content of the curriculum while actively participating in and reflecting on experiences that benefit both the community and the students.
Tied into the College’s Mercy values and history of community engagement, Experiential Learning develops the “whole” student and creates global citizens.
Mount Aloysius College continues to develop its program through a committee, monies available for projects, and/or an Annual Experiential Learning Expo.
2020-2021 Experiential Learning Committee Members
Community-Based Learning
Community-based learning bridges academic learning and real-world civic engagement focused on community need. This engagement can include anything that makes an impact beyond the course itself, including: direct service-learning, indirect service-learning, research-based service-learning, and advocacy service-learning.
Direct Service-Learning involves person-to-person service projects where the students’ actions directly impact the individuals receiving the service from the students.
- Tutoring
- Arts lessons for the youth
- Presentations on violence and drug prevention
- Helping at homeless shelters
Students who volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program learn the benefits of direct service learning by assisting members of our local community with filing their taxes.
Indirect Service-Learning focuses on broad issues, environmental projects, or community development projects that have benefit the community or environment, but may not necessarily benefit the individuals with whom the students are working.
- Compiling town history
- Restoring historical structures
- Restoring ecosystem
MAC students engaged in indirect service learning through the American Red Cross’ Sound the Alarm event, at which students canvassed homes to provide information on fire prevention and safety.
Research-Based Service-Learning involves students gathering and presenting information on an area of interest and need.
- Writing guide to translation services
- Water testing for local residents
- Creating brochures for nonprofits
- Mapping state lands
Previous Community-Based Learning Projects
Sample Experiential Learning Projects
Practicums
The intended goals of student participation in practicums include: gaining further knowledge about the field of study, acquiring new skills for career development, developing critical reflection and analysis skills, and developing an understanding of the challenges facing small businesses. Students may participate in one of three types of practicum:
Community Practicums are focused on reflection to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop the capacity to communicate in a community. These practicums are major-specific or interdisciplinary and can count for up to three credits.
Integrated Practicums offer practical field experience that allows students to develop their skills within their major. These include time in the classroom learning material and on-site or virtual hours working on a project with a community organization.
Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning is intended to give students the opportunity to gain experience in their field while still learning in the classroom. The various forms of work-based learning provided at the Mount include traditional internships, professional development training, job shadowing, and mentorships.
Internships
Certain programs at Mount Aloysius require a student to complete an internship before graduation. These opportunities help students blend the knowledge they learn in the classroom with real-world experience. Typically, students complete 135 hours of internship work within one semester. The goal of the internship program is for students to gain insight into a possible career path while learning about the industry. Micro-internships are short-term, project-based opportunities that last between five and 40 hours. They could be a part of a course or a standalone opportunity.
Mountie Julianna Wright, ’20, learned just how important internships and work-based learning can be when she interned with JWF Industries in Johnstown, PA.
Upcoming Events
Mount Aloysius College Community Day at Hersheypark
HersheyparkRegister Today! You're invited to the 2021 Mount Aloysius College Community Day at Hersheypark on August 6! We also encourage you to bring your family and friends along. Tickets are typically $75, but we've received a discounted group rate: $30.95/ticket for alumni $40.95/ticket for guests REGISTRATION CLOSES ON JULY 23 While you're at the park, take a photo of you in your Mountie gear and tag us on social media or send it to alumni@mtaloy.edu! Questions? […]
View all eventsMen's & Women's Soccer Alumni Game
3:00 PM Soccer FieldRegister Today! The Men's and Women's Soccer Programs and the Alumni Office are teaming up for a Soccer Alumni Game on Saturday, August 21 at 3 p.m. Connect with former teammates, current players, and staff. See how out of shape you are. And check out the beautiful facilities on campus. The schedule is still being finalized, but the tentative plan is: Alumni vs alumni match OR Alumni vs current players Food and beverages at the […]
View all eventsJersey Shore Alumni Meet-Up: Asbury Ocean Club (Asbury Park, NJ)
5:00 PM Asbury Ocean ClubRegister Today! We are coming to the Jersey Shore, and we would love to see you! Dr. John Farkas, VP of Institutional Advancement, and Luke Fragello, Director of Alumni Affairs, will be hosting two receptions in the Jersey Shore area: 1. Asbury Ocean Club (Asbury Park, NJ) | August 22 | 5-6 p.m. 2. Icona Avalon (Avalon, NJ) | August 23 | 6-7 p.m. You are currently viewing the Asbury Ocean Club event. To view […]
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