We are exploring new ways to better prepare students for life after graduation by integrating career and life skills into college education. Below are three proposed models—please share your thoughts on which you prefer and what aspects you like or dislike.

Concept 1: Career and Life Skills Department (CLSA) This model replaces traditional general education requirements with a new department focused on career and life skills. Students take elective courses taught by industry professionals, such as consulting firms, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations, alongside practical life skills classes. For example, an accounting company could teach an applied finance course, while a professional chef could lead a class on cooking healthy meals. Students would gain hands-on experience through real-world projects, ensuring they graduate with relevant job skills and essential life knowledge. This approach allows students to choose electives that best support their career goals.

 Concept 2: Workforce-Integrated College Pathway (WICP) This model restructures higher education into a four-year program split up by two years of workforce experience in the middle. In the first two years, students take courses on general life skills while exploring various industries through hands-on projects, gaining enough experience to secure an entry-level job. They then spend two years in the workforce, applying their knowledge and building industry connections. Afterward, students can either continue working or return for two years of specialized education in a mentorship-based model, where third-year students are guided by fourth-years before taking on mentorship roles themselves. This approach ensures graduates gain both education and practical experience, making them highly competitive in their fields.

 Concept 3: Experiential Learning & Career Exploration (ELCE) This model eliminates traditional classroom-based learning entirely in favor of hands-on experiences. Instead of lectures, students participate in semester-long learning tracks, such as "Entrepreneurship & Innovation" or "Healthcare Careers," where they work directly with companies on real-world projects. Additionally, students complete short-term industry residencies (mini-internships either virtual, hybrid, or in-person), gaining work experience while earning academic credit. Life skills, such as personal finance and home maintenance, are taught through optional interactive workshops. This approach prioritizes practical learning, ensuring students graduate with significant work experience and hands-on skills applicable to their careers.