Accepted Proposals

19. What if every student had access to a fund to support their experiential learning activities in addition to the existing resources already available at Hamilton?

May 16, 2025

The collaboration led by: Maddie Carrera

With other collaborators: Tara McKee; Alexandra List; Catherine Beck; Aaron Strong; Frank Anechiarico; Chris Willemsen; Kinho Chan; Jen Borton; Max Majireck; Kristopher Kusnerik; Amy James; Yongka Yerima; Cooper Burn; Brad Holcomb

This proposal aims to establish a General Experiential Learning Fund to support all students in exploring experiential learning activities like fieldwork, conferences, and other learning opportunities that enhance their academic and professional growth. By providing up to $500 for specific costs like travel, supplies, and entry fees, this fund ensures financial barriers don’t limit students’ ability to engage in transformative experiences. The initiative fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and inclusion while empowering students to innovate and make positive change in the world. Students are capped at $2000 for their 4-years at Hamilton.

The proposal was submitted for TRANSFORMATIONAL funding (over $40,000) and was ranked medium with respect to the other proposals based upon the evaluation rubric.

The committee applauds the proposers for:

• The proposal expands institutional funding to support students attending conferences for learning and other experiential learning opportunities that typically lack financial backing, ensuring broader access for underrepresented and financially constrained students beyond those presenting research
• Emphasis on breaking down silos between departments and supporting students in nontraditional learning experiences
• The proposal strongly aligns with Hamilton’s mission to promote creativity, cross-disciplinary engagement, and real-world learning.

From the committee’s perspective, the next phase of this project should include:

• Develop a pilot program for the distribution of the funds to students that can be assessed for enhancing the student experience at Hamilton.  
• Collaboration with Advancement and DOF to develop a plan for securing sustainable funding (e.g., endowment contributions, donor support, or external grants) would strengthen the case for feasibility.
• Connect with the group working on Practicing the Liberal Arts (connect with the Executive Director of the Maurice Horowitz Career Center). 

The committee recommends funding the next phase of this proposal for $10,000 to move this idea forward for further aspirational design and development.