Rutgers–New Brunswick Wins 2026 Experiential Learning Award for Advancing Career-Connected Learning
Institutions like Rutgers–New Brunswick are leading the way in giving students a firsthand look at what a typical workday looks like in the jobs they’re interested in pursuing.
Rutgers–New Brunswick has been named a recipient of the 2026 EAB Experiential Learning Awards, recognizing its leadership in expanding student access to real-world, career-connected experience. The awards, presented by education company EAB, honor colleges and universities that are helping students explore career paths and build the in-demand skills they need to succeed in today’s job market.
Winning schools are recognized for innovating to give students more experiential learning opportunities, particularly through scalable models such as virtual job simulations and skills-based training developed in partnership with actual employers. These approaches complement traditional internships and project-based learning while reaching a broader and more diverse student population.
Rutgers–New Brunswick was recognized for its commitment to building a career-ready campus through initiatives that expand access to experiential learning opportunities and help students connect academic experiences with career development. Programs such as the Student Employee Enrichment (SEE) program, the Intern for a Day (IFAD) initiative, and the Rutgers Scarlet Service Internship (RSSI) program, along with broader experiential learning efforts across campus, help expand equitable access to high-impact learning opportunities. These are complemented by industry mentoring, internship and public service experiences, and Forage job simulations integrated into Handshake and future mentoring courses, collectively strengthening Rutgers–New Brunswick’s approach to workforce readiness.
University leaders note that this recognition reflects Rutgers–New Brunswick’s longstanding commitment to experiential education and student success.
“Building a Career-Ready Campus means ensuring students can access career-connected experiences throughout their Rutgers journey,” said William Jones, Assistant Vice Provost for Career Development and Executive Director of Career Exploration and Success. “Whether through internship and public service programs, industry mentoring, experiential learning opportunities, or Forage job simulations embedded into Handshake and future mentoring courses, Rutgers is committed to helping students build the skills, experiences, and professional networks needed for post-graduation success.”
Experiential learning opportunities provide students with space to explore professional interests while building the career readiness competencies employers seek in early talent candidates. These experiences also help students develop confidence, strengthen self-efficacy, and foster a greater sense of belonging within a large university environment.
“The Student Employee Enrichment (SEE) program empowers students to reframe their student employment position as more than a paycheck,” said Bill Kelly, Sr. Assistant Director of the SEE program. “It becomes an opportunity to build awareness around career readiness as a process, learn how to access professional development opportunities such as Forage, and develop a strong network of professional support and community.”
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” Chuck Keeton, Vice Provost for Experiential Learning, emphasized. “Rutgers–New Brunswick has a long-standing commitment to experiential learning, with faculty and staff across campus offering a wealth of opportunities for students to connect theory to practice, build confidence, and grow as emerging professionals. As we work to enhance experiential learning, it’s exciting to collaborate with so many people who want to help students make the most of their time at Rutgers and prepare for post-graduation success.”
“Institutions like Rutgers–New Brunswick are leading the way in giving students a firsthand look at what a typical workday looks like in the jobs they’re interested in pursuing,” said Scott Schirmeier, President of Technology and Partner Development at EAB. “Preparing students to launch successful careers upon graduation is one of the best ways to ensure they see a return on their education investment.”
EAB’s Experiential Learning Awards are part of the company’s broader commitment to advancing student success and workforce readiness. Through solutions like its Workforce Readiness Platform, EAB supports institutions in delivering experiential learning experiences at scale.
About Rutgers–New Brunswick
Rutgers University–New Brunswick is the flagship campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and one of the nation’s leading public research universities. Located in New Jersey, Rutgers–New Brunswick serves more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students across a wide range of academic disciplines. Through innovative teaching, groundbreaking research, public service, and experiential learning opportunities, Rutgers prepares students to become leaders in their fields and engaged members of their communities.
About EAB
At EAB, our mission is to make education smarter and our communities stronger. We work with more than 2,800 institutions to drive transformative change through data-driven insights and best-in-class capabilities. From kindergarten to college to career, EAB partners with leaders and practitioners to accelerate progress and drive results across enrollment, student success, institutional strategy, data analytics, and advancement. We work with each partner differently, tailoring our portfolio of research, technology, and marketing and enrollment solutions to meet the unique needs of every leadership team, as well as the students and employees they serve. Learn more at EAB.
