As the academic year draws to a close, the Office of Experiential Learning (OEL), within the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement, proudly reflects on a transformative year of growth, discovery, and engagement. OEL supports DDEEA scholars through high-impact practices such as research, internships, and study abroad opportunities to enhance learning outcomes. Through these opportunities, DDEEA scholars have demonstrated exceptional dedication to academic and professional development.
Last month, after UW–Madison’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, OEL held a special reception to showcase scholarly activities throughout the year. During the reception, the OEL team of Director Dr. Barta, Career Development Coordinator, Sofia Garcia Garbuno, and Program Assistant Dwira Nandini highlighted the accomplishments of OEL and its scholars throughout the academic year.
Undergraduate Research: A Culture of Inquiry
This year, 93 DDEEA scholars conducted research for Independent Study Credit during the fall semester. Over 80 scholars presented their findings at the Undergraduate Symposium, showcasing a wide range of scholarly pursuits. From exploring the intricacies of the blood-brain barrier to investigating the adverse impact of prison conditions, these scholars are pushing the boundaries across multiple disciplines.
In addition, 35 abstracts were accepted to the prestigious National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), with 32 students presenting their work on a national stage. 1
4 CeO students also participated in the STEM Catalyst program, a program designed for incoming first-year students in STEM to further their engagement in scientific research.
Global Scholars: Expanding Horizons
OEL connects scholars to Study Abroad/Away offices across campus and programs across the world. The Global Scholars Program is a scholarship offered by OEL to support DDEEA students to participate in study abroad programs. Funding ranges from $500 to $3000 toward the cost of attendance based on financial need, academic status, career goals, and more.
This year the DDEEA Global Scholars program supported 99 scholars from various programs.
- First Wave: 8
- CeO: 25
- Posse: 17
- PEOPLE: 17
- MJLS: 28
- NDGNS: 2
These scholars represented 25 different study abroad programs across 13 fields of study, including healthcare, business, biological sciences, and Hmong studies. With 30 Summer Scholars preparing to travel to over 15 countries across 5 continents, the program continues to foster global citizenship and cross-cultural learning.
Internship Program: Building Professional Pathways
The DDEEA Internship Program hosted 17 interns across 11 units and four campus buildings during the 2024–2025 academic year. Interns contributed to areas such as communications, marketing, events, and leadership. The internship program received a 4.47/5 average rating for the overall experience.
Key outcomes from the Fall 2024 evaluation include:
- 93.3% of interns worked 8–15 hours per week
- 86.7% received regular feedback and mentorship
- 86.7% felt supported in their professional growth
Interns reported gaining valuable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, organization, prioritization, time management, and much more. Interns also benefit from mentorship to develop valuable soft skills such as email etiquette, communication, and collaboration. See what some interns had to say about their experience.
“My experience as a DDEEA Intern has been incredibly impactful as I’ve gained hands-on experience in professional communication, leadership, and collaboration. Through conversations and collaborations with campus leaders and fellow interns, I’ve developed skills in adaptability, organization, and building an inclusive environment for our community.” – Lauren Munda
“Seeing the work that I work on as an DDEEA Intern actually be displayed on the official DDEEA website is definitely the most rewarding aspect for me. There is nothing cooler than seeing things you made yourself used as one of the first things people see.” – Diya Gopinath
OEL remains steadfast in its mission to empower scholars through transformative, hands-on learning. Looking forward to the future, Director Barta says, “We are committed to deepening our impact, broadening access, and cultivating even more opportunities that inspire curiosity, foster leadership, and ignite change.”