Purposeful Work at Bates helps students discover the joy and power that arise from aligning who they are with what they do. It guides students to identify and cultivate their interests and strengths and provides opportunities for them to acquire the knowledge, experiences, and relationships necessary to pursue their aspirations with imagination and integrity.
It is grounded in the Bates mission, has curricular and co-curricular aspects, and takes a four-year, developmental approach to working with students. Informed by this philosophy, students emerge from Bates equipped to make intentional decisions about their work, selves, and how the two relate. It’s about our liberal arts mission and an imperative in today’s world.
Students experience the possibilities of Purposeful Work across campus and throughout the Bates curriculum, programming, and events. Through funded internships, practitioner-taught courses, a speaker series, and other opportunities, Purposeful Work promotes greater agency in students’ approach to their college years and a stronger bridge to life after college. (More on Programs)
