Experiential Learning Center (ELC) is a game-changing hub that supports aspiring designers transitioning from the classroom to the workforce. It is a one-of-a-kind 1,800-square-foot center dedicated to providing marginalized students with diverse mentorship, full access to the latest technology and resources, and resume- and portfolio-building paid work experiences.
The ELC is an important addition to the education landscape because it helps bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application. Many students from marginalized communities face significant barriers to entering the workforce in their chosen fields. These barriers include a lack of connections, access to resources, and real-world experience.
By providing a space where students can get hands-on experience in their field, access the latest technology, and receive guidance from mentors who have worked in the industry, the ELC aims to empower students to overcome these barriers and succeed in their chosen careers.
What the ELC Offers
The ELC offers a range of resources and services to support students in their career development journey. These include:
- Mentorship: Students have access to mentors who work in various design fields. These mentors provide guidance on everything from technical skills to navigating the job market, helping students identify and pursue opportunities that align with their interests and career goals.
- Technology: The ELC is equipped with the latest technology, including cutting-edge design tools, software, and hardware. Students can use these resources to hone their skills and develop their portfolios.
- Work experiences: The ELC offers paid work experiences to students, giving them the opportunity to gain real-world experience and build their resumes. These experiences include internships, freelance projects, and other work opportunities.
- Networking: The ELC allows students to network with industry professionals and other students. These connections can be invaluable when it comes to finding job opportunities and building a career.
Who the ELC Serves
The ELC is designed to serve marginalized students who may face barriers to entering the design workforce. This includes students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, and first-generation college students. By providing these students with access to resources and opportunities, the ELC aims to level the playing field and create a more diverse and inclusive design industry.
How the ELC Will Impact the Design Industry
The ELC has the potential to significantly impact the design industry by helping to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. By providing students from marginalized backgrounds with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, the ELC can help break down the systemic barriers that have traditionally prevented these students from entering the industry.
In addition, by providing students with real-world experience and connections to industry professionals, the ELC can help create a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce. This, in turn, can lead to better-designed products, more innovative solutions, and a more competitive design industry overall.
Join the ELC to Kick-Start Your Design Career or Support our Mission
The opening of the Experiential Learning Center is an exciting development for the design industry and marginalized students looking to enter the field. We look forward to seeing the impact that the ELC will have in the years to come. If you want to join the ELC, submit your application and design goals. You can also connect with the ELC team to support our mission to reach more students.
The post Welcome to the ELC – A Groundbreaking Learning Center Breaking Systemic Barriers in the Design Industry first appeared on designExplorr.