CCLA and Center for Career Development Host Experiential Learning Showcase to Connect Classroom and Community
Students discuss their research findings during the Experiential Learning Showcase. Photo by Alex Sonfield '25.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING SHOWCASE HIGHLIGHTS STUDENT LEARNING IN ACTION
by Alex Sonfield '25
Students, faculty, staff and community members recently gathered in the Stern Great Room for Dickinson’s Experiential Learning Showcase, which drew roughly 150 participants. Hosted by the Center for Civic Learning & Action in partnership with the Center for Career Development, the newly expanded event highlighted how Dickinson students connect their academic work with hands-on experiences through research, community engagement, internships and more.
The showcase builds on the former Civic Engagement Symposium and Internships Showcase while broadening the scope to include the full range of experiential learning at Dickinson. Through poster presentations and conversations, students shared what they did, what they learned and how those experiences are shaping their future plans.
AWARD-WINNING PROJECT SUPPORTS CARLISLE YOUTH
Among the presenters were Talia Perez ’28 (sociology) and Maya Reichenbach ’27 (Spanish & Portuguese studies, English), Community Engagement Fellows who received the inaugural Experiential Learning Award for their project examining the impact of programming with Carlisle Victory Circle (CVC). Their work focused on free after-school programming that provides mentoring, meals and academic support for local middle and high school students.
“We noticed that students get so much out of CVC, and we wanted to understand why—and how that support could be implemented in other communities,” Perez explained.
Through their work, the fellows saw how practical resources and a welcoming environment make a difference for young people. The program offers school supplies and academic help, but also something less tangible: a supportive space where students can relax and feel understood. One student testimonial they collected captured that impact: “I love CVC because everyone is so supportive, kind and understanding. There are so many resources for whatever you need.”
For Perez, the experience highlighted the importance of accessible community spaces. “When I was in high school, I didn’t have an afternoon program where I could just show up and be myself,” she said. “This project made me realize how important that is for students.” Both fellows said the project strengthened their interest in education policy and nonprofit work supporting youth.
Maya Reichenbach ’27 (left) and Talia Perez ’28 (right) pose with their Carlisle Victory Circle research poster after receiving the Experiential Learning Award. Photo by Alex Sonfield '25.
RESEARCH EXPANDS WHOSE VOICES ARE HEARD
Other presentations showed how experiential learning shapes students’ academic interests as well as their career goals. Another Community Engagement Fellow, Indra Sokhomsan ’26 (educational studies) presented research exploring how lived experience and emotions can be valued alongside numerical data in education research. Working closely with Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Jacquie Forbes, a faculty mentor, Sokhomsan learned how to ethically gather and analyze qualitative data—skills developed through hands-on research in the BLESS Collective Lab.
“Our research allows lived experience and emotions to be centered,” Sokhomsan said, noting that the project helps amplify the voices of Black educators whose perspectives are often overlooked in traditional research. The experience has inspired Sokhomsan to pursue a future in education, with long-term goals of teaching and eventually working in school administration.
Indra Sokhomsan ’26 explains his education research poster to Melissa Sturm-Smith, senior associate provost for integrated academic student success, during the Experiential Learning Showcase. Photo by Alex Sonfield '25.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS CONNECT LEARNING TO REAL NEEDS
For Claire Choplick ’26 (biochemistry & molecular biology), experiential learning has meant sustained involvement with Project SHARE through the Community Engagement Fellows program. Over the past three years, Choplick has worked directly with Carlisle residents seeking emergency food assistance, interviewing new clients and connecting them with local resources.
She said the experience showed her the power of community collaboration. “There’s something to learn from everyone,” Choplick said. “A big part of my job is just talking to people and hearing their stories.”
The work also influenced her academic outlook, helping her see how scientific research can connect to real-world social challenges. She hopes her future work in science will contribute to improving people’s lives by addressing issues such as housing instability and access to basic needs.
LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE AND REFLECTION
As students moved between posters, conversations throughout the room reflected Dickinson’s emphasis on learning through experience and reflection. The showcase not only gave students a chance to present their work but also offered a space to consider how those experiences shape their identities, goals and sense of responsibility to their communities.
“I don’t think that you could leave this room without feeling inspired by how passionate each presenter is about their work. These students really represent the best of Dickinson, and the incredible turnout by our community is a testament to them,” said Samantha Ha-DiMuzio, director of local and regional partnerships at the Center for Civic Learning & Action.
The Experiential Learning Showcase is just one of many ways Dickinson helps students prepare for successful careers by applying what they learn in meaningful ways.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published February 23, 2026