Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning Opportunities, or ELOs, are the “secret sauce” of an MIT education: hands-on, authentic experiences in research labs and maker spaces, K12 schools and start-ups, NGOs and global industries. The vast majority of undergraduates participate in at least one and often many ELOs over the course of their MIT journey– a MISTI program, a UROP, a corporate internship through CAPD, a PKG public service fellowship, an entrepreneurial venture with Sandbox support, an Edgerton Center student team or club, and more.

What ties all of these diverse experiences together? The projects involve hands-on, applied work, often in “real-world” contexts; they are challenging and rigorous learning experiences; students receive meaningful guidance, supervision, and feedback; the project work is performed over an extended time period and with a meaningful intensity; and critical reflection and evaluation help students process their learning and programs measure their impact.

• The first place to check for all types of ELOs is ELx.
• You can find UROP positions on ELx, and be sure to also check out these helpful Tips for Finding a UROP.
• Other opportunities can be found on Handshake (CAPD’s job search/recruitment portal). Just search for the “MIT – ELO” as the employer, or look for “Experiential Learning” as the job type. Many of these are also cross-listed on ELx.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship ELOs are posted to InnovationONE – a platform created by the MIT Innovation Initiative (MITii). Check out this Guide to InnovationONE for Students to help you get started.

Check back on these sites often as new ELOs will be posted often.

Programs will manage their own student application and selection processes, so please refer to the position description for more information about processes and deadlines, as they will vary across different opportunities.

ELOs may be paid (either by stipend or hourly wage), completed for academic credit, or completed on a volunteer basis. Check the position description or check with your program sponsor to see what compensation is offered. Each program manages its own processes for awarding pay or credit, so reach out to program staff if you have specific questions.

Students must apply to the specific ELOs that they’re interested in; required application forms, deadlines, and procedures will vary by program. Sponsoring programs make the final decisions about student selection and/or hiring, and some opportunities will be more competitive than others, depending on student interest and the number of positions available.

If you need help finding or applying for the right position for you, you can contact us at experientiallearning@mit.edu.

There are several existing MIT programs that allow students to pursue independent projects while receiving support and access to MIT resources and expertise. UROP’s direct-funding application can support student-generated research projects that have the endorsement and involvement of an MIT faculty member.  Students with public service projects can apply to the PKG Public Service Fellowships. Individuals with entrepreneurial ideas can apply to Sandbox or IDEAS (for social ventures only). Some academic departments also offer ELOs built around student-designed projects.