Experiential Learning Institute

Experiential learning provides learners with real-world and hands-on opportunities, preparing them for an ever-changing and diverse world. The purpose of experiential learning is to actively engage the learner through relevant and ongoing experience, critical problem solving, and reflective practices. Learners who engage in experiential learning are more likely to persist through their college experience, graduate, and become lifelong, self-directed learners.

The Experiential Learning Institute (ELI) exists to expand experiential learning college-wide. The Institute collaborates with both on-campus and community stakeholders to engage students and the community, locally, nationally, and globally. This connects the community and NMC by seeking creative partnerships, serving ongoing community needs, and preparing learners for future employment.

The ELI fulfilled NMC's prior Strategic Plan that every credential-seeking student will benefit from at least one ELO (Experiential Learning Opportunity) by September, 2024. ELOs can occur in courses, internships, apprenticeships, community research, service learning, international services, cocurricular/extracurricular activities, and other campus activities. The ELI has completed the ELO goal and will continue to add more opportunities each year.

The ELI is currently working on goals and objectives for the new Strategic Plan on durable skills. More to come!

Events

Spring 2026

Careers & Majors Fair: April 10
5th Annual Learning Symposium: April 25–May 1
nEXt Capstone Presentations: May 1

Check the Student Activity Calendar for more NMC Events!

Fall 2025

Lunch & Learn: Study Abroad 2026: Wednesday, Sept. 17
Study Abroad - Meet Your Leaders: Wednesday, Oct. 1
Fall Festival - NMC Student Groups: Monday, Oct. 6
Walk for Health & Housing: Wednesday, Nov. 19
Thanks-For-Giving: Monday, Nov. 24

Past Events

2023–25

Lunch & Learn: Study Abroad 2025: Wednesday, Sept. 25
Coffee & Careers with Pricilla Venhuizen from Honor Bank and the Traverse Area Human Resources Association on Tuesday, Oct. 22
Walk for Health & Housing: Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6–8 p.m.
Thanks-for-Giving with BUS 231 course on Monday, Nov. 25
Lunch & Learn: Study Smart, Finish Strong: Monday, April 8
Lunch & Learn with Ken Scott on Transformation Coaching: Thursday, Feb. 22
LinkedIn Webinar with Chaim Shapiro: Thursday, Feb. 29
NMC Career and Employment Fair: Thursday, March 7
Student Connect International Tea Time: March 6 and April 10
Big Little Hero Race by BUS 231 Kristy McDonald's course on Saturday, April 20
The 3rd Annual NMC ELI Learning Symposium
Coffee & Careers Chat with Amy Burns-Bailey
National Apprenticeship Week was November 13–19 with multiple celebrations at NMC.