Employment Experiences

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 is transformed into lived experience using a work-learning-service model. Every student will graduate with a Bethel liberal arts education alongside robust work experience, a comprehensive resume, professional references, and a verified work transcript. In addition, students receive $2,500 per year toward the reduction of their tuition costs.

WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS

Bethel graduates will not only hold a degree—they will enter the workforce with confidence, equipped with leadership and communication skills, and with responsibility honed through experience. Graduates 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 can access federal dollars to partially support 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
• Strengthen support systems for student success
• 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 are underway now, with the next four years focused on strengthening operations, expanding placements, and sustaining student grant support while progressing toward long-term federal funding eligibility.

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.