Background: Preparing a workforce-ready generation is an urgent priority in the growing field of health and human services. The situation is further exacerbated by 75% of companies rate recent graduates as lacking motivation, leading to termination for more than half of these hires. Traditional higher education often emphasizes technical knowledge without always reinforcing the essential workplace skills critical for entry-level employees. To address this challenge, we design experiential learning (EL) as a model to better prepare undergraduate students for the workforce.

Methods: This model is grounded in the work of Dewey, Lewin, Piaget, and Kolb, each emphasizing the value of real-life experiences in the learning process. Our EL Lab mirrors real-world work environments through strategic partnerships with departments and non-profits, integrating hands-on experiences, mentorship, and leadership development. We build the structure as a multi-tiered team, including a faculty member, a doctoral student coordinator, and undergraduate students. Students undergo a competitive interview, and senior students are promoted to team leader roles. All students earn a living wage and receive two independent study credits.

Results: The EL curriculum emphasizes transferable skills such as communication, public speaking, and networking, reinforced through discussions, site visits, internships, and nonprofit collaborations. Since piloting in 2023, students have reported increased confidence and self-efficacy. 

Conclusion: The EL Model complements academic learning and strengthens workforce readiness. We highlight the structure, implementation, and measurable impact on student professional development.