The typical college assignment might end when the final grade is posted, but at Purdue University, learning often goes far beyond the classroom. Picture a student collaborating with a local nonprofit to solve a pressing community issue, or interning with a leading tech firm in Indianapolis to launch a new project.

This is what experiential education at Purdue looks like—hands-on, real-world learning that bridges the gap between academic theory and professional practice.

With support from the Office of Experiential Education, Purdue students dive into a variety of purposeful, skill-building activities designed to prepare them for future careers. These experiences aren’t random—they’re carefully crafted to meet specific learning outcomes, ensuring students gain the knowledge, skills and abilities they need to succeed.

“Experiential education at Purdue is all about authentic, real-world experiences,” says Kat Stremiecki, director of the Office of Experiential Education. “We want students to work on tasks that have an impact beyond the classroom. It’s about applying what they’ve learned in a meaningful way.”

From work-integrated learning and intercultural travel to undergraduate research and client-based projects, the office supports a wide range of opportunities that push students to connect their academic studies with hands-on experience. Through these activities, students develop practical skills while engaging with industry partners, community organizations and real-world problems. In each, students are encouraged to reflect on their work, making connections between their experiences and academic learning.

“Assignments in a class are valuable,” Stremiecki explains, “but experiential education takes it to the next level. We’re looking for that extra layer—where students’ knowledge gained in the classroom has a real impact in our communities.”

One of the key areas of focus is Indianapolis, where Assistant Director Kate Caward is leading efforts to provide even more opportunities for students. “In Indianapolis, we’re building partnerships that give our students unique experiences,” Caward explains. “Whether it’s an internship with a startup or a community-based project, these opportunities help students develop skills they can showcase to employers and share with future students.”

Beyond skill development, Experiential Education strives to make these opportunities accessible to all Purdue students. “When you can help a student break out of a cycle of not having access, that impacts not just them, but it impacts generations of their family,” Stremiecki shares. Through initiatives like scholarships and professional development programs, the Office of Experiential Education is actively working to ensure every Purdue student has access to transformative, career-building experiences.

Looking ahead, the office is launching a new platform to help students discover and connect with experiential education opportunities more easily. This system will also allow Purdue to track participation, measure outcomes and identify areas for growth, helping the university make informed decisions about how to best support students.

“Experiential education isn’t just an add-on—it’s an integral part of the Purdue experience,” says Stremiecki. “It’s about giving students the tools they need for meaningful, long-term career success, while also making a positive impact on the communities they engage with.”

Through the Office of Experiential Education, Purdue is reimagining what student success looks like, blending academic rigor with hands-on experiences that prepare students for whatever comes next.

 

Below is a list of staff members in the Office of Experiential Education:

• Kat Stremiecki, Director
• Kate Caward, Assistant Director
• Lindsey Kojich, Senior Program Manager
• Jennifer Bay, Professor of English, College of Liberal Arts; Faculty Fellow, Office of Experiential Education
• Laura Todd, Assessment Specialist, Engagement + Experiential Education with IDA+A
• Jisoo Hwang, Graduate Assistant
• Annette Saunders, Communication Intern
• Megan Herman, Administrative Assistant, Office of the Provost