Chartwells Higher Education: A Leader in Experiential Learning
From hands-on internships to entrepreneurial initiatives, Chartwells' programs help students gain real-world skills and make lasting campus and career impacts
Based in Charlotte, N.C., Chartwells Higher Education is pioneering new ways to enhance experiential education by embedding innovative learning and professional development into campus programs.
Through thoughtful partnerships and customized experiences, Chartwells is redefining dining service roles. This initiative engages students in hands-on learning that nurtures collaboration, creativity, and individual growth. These enriched programs are designed to empower students, enabling them to make significant contributions to their campuses and communities while also preparing them for their future careers.
Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education, emphasizes, "Every partnership we build is about more than dining. It's about creating opportunities for students to learn through connection. When we design experiences that blend education, community, and care, we’re helping students develop skills and relationships that last far beyond their time on campus."
Here are five innovative programs at Chartwells leading the charge in experiential learning:
- IGNITE: A Unique Student Advisory Board. As the first national student dining advisory board in the industry, IGNITE offers students and Chartwells leaders a platform to discuss and develop new ideas related to technology, event programming, and mental health initiatives. This year, they welcomed the largest class ever, featuring enhancements like the Brew Tank, where students can refine and evolve new concepts in real-time.
- Student Success Internships: A Pathway to Career Readiness. This internship initiative offers ten career-focused tracks, having successfully graduated hundreds of students since its inception in 2017. Many graduates have secured full-time positions with Chartwells, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to professional development.
- Illinois College Teaching Kitchen Series: Cooking Meets Academics. Over 270 students have participated in this program, which merges practical cooking with academic reflection. Students not only earn credit toward graduation but also develop vital, transferable skills. This series includes reflection questions, enhancing the learning process and self-awareness as it connects culinary skills to health and wellness.
- Carnegie Mellon University's Restaurant Builder Course: From Idea to Startup. This course empowers students to bring their culinary concepts to life through design, branding, and launching their dining projects. Integrating business principles with real-world hospitality operations allows students to experience the entrepreneurial process first-hand. The success of the student-run Capital Grains, known for its unique salad and grain bowl offerings, reflects the course’s impact.
- Babson College's Student-Led Roger's Pub & Grille. This innovative venue acts as a workspace for culinary innovation among students. Chartwells established a ghost kitchen within Roger's Pub to facilitate student pop-up events, enabling practical experience in launching food concepts. One notable effort, Desi Eats, developed through a rich collaboration with Chartwells, emphasizes authentic flavors and offers students leverage in real-world management skills.
"It's remarkable to see how far Student Success has come since its launch," said Kristin Frazier, a founding member and current Director of the program. "We have created this initiative by truly listening and evolving with student feedback, transforming it into something that is changing lives and launching careers."
Chartwells Higher Education is revolutionizing the campus dining landscape by integrating experiential learning opportunities that extend learning beyond traditional settings. With initiatives like IGNITE and the Student Success Program promoting collaboration and entrepreneurship, Chartwells is devoted to enhancing student growth. Through these efforts, Chartwells is not just redefining dining but enriching the overall educational journey for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chartwells Higher Education's main focus?
Chartwells aims to enhance student experiences through innovative dining services that foster real-world skills and community engagement.
How do Chartwells programs benefit students?
These programs provide hands-on learning experiences that help students develop valuable skills, build relationships, and prepare for their careers.
What is the IGNITE program?
IGNITE is a national student advisory board that allows students to collaborate with Chartwells leaders on improving dining and campus life through innovative ideas.
How can students participate in internships with Chartwells?
Chartwells offers various career-focused internship tracks that provide students with essential career skills and experiences, many of which can lead to full-time roles.
What impact does Chartwells hope to achieve through their initiatives?
Chartwells aims to empower students to make significant contributions to their communities while enriching their overall educational journey, thereby transforming the campus dining landscape.
