Employment Experiences

PROJECT OVERVIEW

In fall 2024, Bethel launched a bold enhancement of its undergraduate experience, building on its long-standing history of service, community and practical learning. Through the Employment Experiences (EE) program, education becomes a lived experience, using a work-learning-service model.

The First-Year Seminar sets a liberal arts foundation by teaching or reinforcing skills in critical thinking and effective speaking and writing. The second-year Vocation Seminar will help students understand their Bethel education and their vocation – their “calling” – not only as preparation for work success but also, in the best spirit of the liberal arts, for a meaningful life connected and contributing to the wellbeing of others.

Campus jobs in the first and second year allow students to gain skills and experience, which can be carried into the third and fourth year when student jobs focus on their degree fields. This job experience will take place in business settings in the community and beyond, whether locally and in person, or remotely.

Every student will graduate with a Bethel liberal arts education alongside robust work experience, a comprehensive resume, professional references and a verified work transcript. This work transcript plus the traditional academic transcript will give prospective employers a complete picture of a Bethel graduate prepared for the workforce, which enhances the chance of being hired. In addition, students earn $2,500 per year toward tuition by completing 80 hours of work each semester.

WHY EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCES MATTERS

Bethel graduates will not only hold a degree—they will enter the workforce with confidence, with leadership and communication skills, and with responsibility honed through experience. Two years of work experience directly related to their degrees will give students an advantage over graduates from peer institutions. Bethel grads will be prepared to make an immediate impact in their communities and professions.

To fully embrace this initiative, Bethel has invested in new infrastructure and is working toward six successful years of operation, after which the college hopes to access federal dollars to help ensure the program’s future sustainability.

A COMPREHENSIVE INVESTMETENT WILL:

• Provide $2,500 per year in EE grants to each participating student
• Fund essential staff to guide, grow, and deepen student placement opportunities
• Expand marketing efforts to grow employer and community partnerships
• Build systems to track student progress and work hours
• Implement performance evaluation tools and supervisor training

TIMELINE

Infrastructure development and program growth began in 2023, with a focus on strengthening operations, expanding placements, and sustaining student grant support. Progression toward long-term federal funding eligibility will continue throughout the campaign.

IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT

Your investment directly reduces student debt while preparing Bethel graduates for meaningful lives of work and service. The campaign seeks $4 million to support student EE grants over the next four years and will continue to grow the Employment Experiences endowment toward a long-term goal of $21 million—ensuring this transformative program remains accessible and sustainable for future generations.