REAL initiative
What is REAL?
VCU's Relevant, Experiential and Applied Learning initiative serves as a central hub for experiential learning activities, both curricular and co-curricular, that happen as part of the VCU academic experience.
REAL works with key partners across campus — such as Undergraduate Research, Career Services, Education Abroad, and Community Engagement and Impact — to bring to life President Rao's promise that all VCU students will participate in at least one hands-on learning activities during their time at the university.
At VCU, our goal is not only workforce readiness — it's world readiness.
REAL types
A wide variety of academic activities qualify as a REAL experience, including:
Project-based learning
Professional/career development (internships, co-ops, practicum experiences)
Research
Capstone experiences
Service-learning
Global learning
For the full list, see real.vcu.edu.
Related links
- REAL website
- Student Opportunity Center: A central platform connecting students with experiential learning opportunities
- REAL Data Dashboard: Tracks student engagement in experiential learning activities, and provides colleges and schools a detailed picture of who is enrolling in these activities, with the goal of finding and addressing gaps in access