Empowering Pace Students: 16 Years of Experiential Learning and Partnerships at the Wilson Center

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024 the Helene T. and Grant M. Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University hosted its 16th Annual Learning Outcomes Reception. This signature event brought together intern supervisors, employer partners, alumni, faculty, and Pace students to celebrate the achievements and learning outcomes of the Wilson Center's 2024 cohort of summer interns. The annual gathering highlights a cornerstone of the Wilson Center’s programming, its Funded Summer Internship Program and the importance of experiential learning and partnerships.

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At the reception, students had the opportunity to present their personal learning outcomes, reflecting on how their summer experiences enabled them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges. These internships support students as they begin to shape their career path while simultaneously making meaningful contributions to the missions of their host organizations. The event also provided a valuable platform for networking, offering alumni, nonprofit leaders, and intern supervisors a space to reconnect and share insights. In her welcome remarks, Wilson Center Executive Director Professor Rebecca Tekula shared, “Today’s event is not just a celebration of our students’ achievements, but a recognition of the vital partnerships that made their experiences possible.”

Since its inception, the Wilson Center’s Funded Summer Internship Program has placed more than 205 Pace students at over 90 innovative nonprofits, social enterprises, government agencies, and other impact-focused organizations across the New York metro area. With over $900,000 in funding distributed, most recently these internships offer students a $5,320 stipend for eight weeks of full-time work, ensuring students are financially supported as they pursue these transformative experiences.

The annual Learning Outcomes Reception also serves as a unique opportunity for Wilson Center supporters to hear directly from students about how their contributions have made a lasting impact. It highlights the center’s dedication to preparing the next generation of changemakers—ensuring they not only gain invaluable experience but also emerge as leaders who are committed to making a difference in their communities and beyond. The event is a powerful reminder of how the Wilson Center's programs are helping to cultivate the next generation of public service and nonprofit leaders, equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in their careers while positively impacting the world around them.