This study examines student interaction with nonprofit organizations during experiential learning projects in nonprofit master's degree programs. The researchers conducted a pilot study interviewing faculty at a nonprofit master's program on the west coast. They found that students had frequent, collaborative interaction with organizations (Interaction D) to produce final products. This interaction facilitated student learning by preparing them for careers and developing professional skills. It also benefited organizations by creating useful, sustainable projects that continued beyond the course when organizations were invested in the process. The researchers plan to expand this pilot study to further explore perspectives from student participants.

1. Exploring Student-Organization
Interaction during Experiential
Learning Projects
Heather Carpenter
Grand Valley State University
Holly Hoffman
University of San Diego

2. Background to the Study
• Definitions
– Experiential Learning
– Service Learning

3. Literature
• Facilitate Student Learning
– Prepare Workforce
– Provide Relevant Learning
• Benefit Nonprofit Organizations
– Build Capacity
– Gain Knowledge, Resources, and Tools

4. Purpose
• Examine experiential
learning practices in
nonprofit master’s
degree programs; with
a specific focus on how
student-organization
interaction differs

5. Methodology
• Student-Organization Interaction Categories
– Interaction A: No interaction with organization, E.g.
Hands-on classroom experience
– Interaction B: Little interaction with organization E.g.
Interview with nonprofit executive
– Interaction C: Frequent interaction with organization,
students create final product for org
– Interaction D: Collaborative interaction with organization
to produce final product

6. Methodology
• Case Study/Cross Case Analysis
• Pilot Study
– Site: Nonprofit Master’s Degree Program at a
Liberal-Arts, Four-Year Institution Located on the
West Coast
– Interviews with Program Administrator and
Faculty Members

7. Findings
Student/Organization Interaction
• Pilot Site
– Interaction D

8. Findings
Facilitating Student Learning
• Preparing for Future Careers
– Develop Professional Skill Set
– Develop Problem Solving Skills
• Becoming Leaders of Organizational Change
– Work Collaboratively with Others

9. Findings
Benefiting Nonprofit Organizations
• Creating Useful, Sustainable Projects
– Organization is interested in process
– Buy-In from Organizational Leadership
– Continue Projects Beyond Course

10. Future Research
• Use Pilot Study to
Expand Scope of
Research
• Explore Perspectives of
Student Participants

11. Questions?