The College's Whittier Works initiative builds on the institution's long-standing tradition of connecting academics with practical application, unifying them to empower students for professional success.
Through Whittier Works, students receive one-on-one faculty mentorship that connects classroom lessons with real-world experiences, such as internships, civic engagement projects, and research. This initiative ensures that students graduate with resumes showcasing the skills and experiences that employers and graduate programs value most, setting graduates up for meaningful careers and long-term success.
Whittier Works intentionally weaves practical application into three major aspects of the student experience: experiential learning in their academics, on-campus professional development experiences, and robust internship opportunities both on and off campus.
Look no further than the Whittier College coffee orchard for a prime example of connecting the classroom to hands-on experiences.
The sustainable, on-campus orchard was co-founded by environmental science professor Cinzia Fissore, who is also faculty director of Whittier Works. The Arabica coffee plants, strategically planted alongside avocado trees, creates educational and research opportunities for students. Additionally, the orchard has led to projects in which students learn about market principles, branding, and agricultural supply chains.
The orchard shows what’s possible when the College bridges academic instruction, research, industry partnerships, and hands-on experience—the kinds of connections that Whittier Works fosters. As faculty director, Fissore will assist fellow professors interested in developing other such projects that enrich students' experiential learning. Further, she will also help identify opportunities to collaborate with other institutions and community groups, working closely with the Career Center and other campus partners.
Beyond curriculum infused with real-world application, students benefit from the Whittier Works initiative through:
