Some students feel naturally pulled to participate in dialogue-focused programming, while others need a gentle push. Wellesley’s leadership found a unique way to provide that extra motivation. Wellesley students tend to be highly driven by securing internships, fellowships, and post- graduate work. For that reason, campus leaders made a deliberate structural choice: integrating community involvement training into the career education department.
This shift meets students where they are by recognizing what motivates them and helps them see productive conversation as a lifelong tool that can help them become who they want to be in the future, in the workplace and beyond.
To reinforce that messaging, Wellesley also offers special programming—like nature retreats in partnership with Outward Bound, community service projects, and off-campus immersion days—meant to draw students in with novelty and keep them engaged with substance.
Through these unique experiences, students are empowered to get vulnerable, speak up, and use their voices to influence their communities, now and in post-graduate life.
Wellesley College is part of Campuswide Immersion where campuses are working to reach every student, not just those who opt-in. See more examples in Motivation Matters: From student interest to civic action.
