Student Name (Location)
Experiential Learning Community Engagement Lab (ExCEL)
Vision for ExCEL
The Experiential Learning Community Engagement Lab (ExCEL) (to be updated), established in 2025, provides a centralized hub within SEBS Academic Programs to unify, expand, and elevate the school’s diverse paid internship opportunities, including placements at the Rutgers Student Farm, the Rutgers Gardens, the Chrysler Herbarium, the Haskin Shellfish Research Lab, and Rutgers NJAES farms and field stations.
ExCEL removes barriers for students facing economic hardship who may have previously been unable to participate in valuable experiential learning due to financial constraints.
The lab establishes funding to support student interns in contexts that support skills development, mentoring, and career exploration in sustainability, research, agriculture, conservation, policy, and beyond—reinforcing Rutgers' land-grant mission to serve society through education and innovation.
Why Is Experiential Learning Important?
Experiential learning is foundational to the School of Environmental & Biological Sciences (SEBS) value of providing accessible, excellent, and relevant scholarship, education, outreach, and engagement to all people, both within and outside New Jersey.
Experience
As a requirement at SEBS, students can actively engage in experiences that apply knowledge to real-world experiences outside of the classroom with connections to faculty, researchers, and industry professionals.
Growth
From these encounters, students can gain a better understanding of course material and develop critical thinking skills while growing both professionally and personally.
Insight
Through relevant hands-on learning activities and reflection about the experience, students can gain insight into their passions and values while preparing for their careers, expanding their world view, and developing an appreciation of community.
More Information
To learn more about supporting experiential learning internships, contact the SEBS Office of Development & Alumni Engagement.
SEBS Resources