Junior Year Experiential Learning

Hyman Science Scholars believes that experiential learning is a key aspect of a well rounded and deep education. The experiential learning experience for the junior year encourages students to step outside of the box of coursework and learn about the sciences in a more hands-on and active way. Through experiential learning students learn through real-world experiences, strengthening practical skills, networks, and preparation for the job market.

Requirements

The Hyman Science Scholars Program program requires the student to complete one of the following options prior to the end of the junior year spring semester. Summer internships or research experiences can occur at the end of the junior year as long as they are complete by the start of the senior fall semester. Students should discuss their plan with the Director of Current Students to ensure their plan is approved, or to get help with discerning their plan. Experiential Learning can include:

• Complete a summer internship or summer research experience for the equivalent of at least 10 weeks full-time. This experience must be completed prior to September of the senior year. We encourage students to submit their work to the Loyola Undergraduate Student Research and Scholarship Colloquium, and presented if accepted, the following spring semester of the junior year.
• Participate in a STEM-related extracurricular activity for at least 24 hours.
• Participate in a STEM-related community service activity for at least 24 hours.

By the end of the junior year, a Hyman Science Scholar must submit a reflection on their experiential learning experiences to the Director of Current Students. Reflection prompts and information on submission will be sent via email to students during the spring semester of their junior year.

Examples of Student Experiences that Meet the Requirement

Below are some example experiential learning experiences Hyman Science Scholars have completed:

It is fine if you are paid or receive course credit for most of these experiences; check with the Director if you have any questions. For example, most internships and summer research experiences in our fields are paid jobs, and that payment does not stop the experience from counting toward our requirement. It is also fine if a course you are taking also gives you extra credit for your activity, such as participating in a competition or completing community service.