UIU ExcEL
Excellence in Experiential Learning Program
What is the Excellence in Experiential Learning Program (UIU ExcEL)?
Starting Fall 2025, UIU ExcEL Scholars will combine their Fayette campus academic studies with experiential learning and community engagement. Program features include:
- 100% Tuition-Free: Minimize financial stress and focus on your educational journey.
- Career-Boosting Experiences: Gain real-world skills through on and off-campus employment and career-focused seminars.
- Professional Mentorship & Community: Connect with a dedicated director, faculty and staff mentors, and a cohort of motivated peers.
Meet the Director
Miriam Skrade brings dynamic strengths and passion to the UIU ExcEL program and its participants. Cultivating engaging and supportive environments for college students has been her life’s work.
Connect and explore her range and depth of experiences on LinkedIn. Email the director at [email protected]
UIU ExcEL Program Information
A UIU ExcEL Scholar will:
- Be awarded an ExcEL Scholarship to eliminate the tuition portion of your college costs
- Average 15 hours/week doing a variety of on/off campus jobs to contribute to the campus community and gain knowledge and transferrable skills
- Attend Upper Iowa University-Fayette, in-person campus
- Engage in 200 service hours over 4 years, seeing your personal impact on the community
- Deliver poster and oral presentations to cultivate communication confidence as well as share knowledge and experiences with fellow classmates, professors, employers, and donors
- Complete a First Year Seminar (FYS) course as part of an ExcEL cohort with the program director to advance the transition to higher education
- Experience courses and seminars designed to elevate your career-related self-awareness and confidence and bridge your academic and work experiences
- Cultivate professional mentorship from faculty, work supervisors, and a dedicated program director
- Collaborate with a team of driven ExcEL Scholars as you learn, grow, work, network, and attend events
- Receive networking opportunities to graduate more confident, informed, and connected
Jaidyn Duvel
UIU ExcEL Scholar
I am a career driven person and wasn’t sure what was out there. Once I found out about the ExcEL program I immediately scheduled a visit. I am thrilled to be selected for the ExcEL program! I’m excited to meet and network with new people, learn new skills, have support from Miriam, and make like-minded friends in the program!
Support ExcEL Scholars!
Support UIU’s new tuition-free program that pairs academic excellence with experiential learning!