From Experience to Evidence: Assessing the Impact of Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is widely recognized as a powerful driver of student engagement, career readiness, and institutional success—but measuring its impact remains a persistent challenge. How do we effectively assess student growth, skill development, and competencies in ways that are both meaningful to learners and valuable to employers? How can institutions connect experiential learning to student success, retention, and workforce outcomes in ways that strengthen strategic priorities and funding opportunities?

This session will explore the complexities of assessing experiential learning at multiple levels—from tracking student learning and competency gains to building evidence of impact for institutions and employers. Panelists will discuss:

• Innovative approaches to assessing student learning beyond traditional academic metrics
• How institutions can better capture and communicate workforce-ready skills and competencies to employers
• Strategies for aligning experiential learning with institutional success measures like retention, equity, and career outcomes