EPIC Collaborations: Harnessing Profession-Based Learning to Shape Student Success

Turning Real Problems Into Real Learning

Profession-based learning (Pro-BL) is a game-changer. When students engage directly with industry partners to solve authentic challenges, they build essential skills, explore career paths, and see their ideas make an impact. But too often, access to these opportunities is limited.

That’s why the U.S. Chamber Foundation launched the Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) initiative—connecting students with real-world business problems through a network of chambers, employers, and educators.

At the EPIC Summer Convening, student teams from across the country showcased their solutions to complex industry challenges, offering a glimpse into what’s possible when learning leaves the classroom.

EPIC Collaborations- Harnessing Profession-Based Learning to Shape Student Success

A Snapshot of Innovation in Action

East Stroudsburg University + AT&T
Students helped AT&T rethink how to attract Gen Z talent—emphasizing immersive recruiting, social media, and personalized onboarding.
Georgia Black Home Educators Network + Urban Farms
Students designed sustainable agritourism models to help local farms boost revenue and build community partnerships.
Winthrop University + Keystone Substance Abuse Services
By conducting community research, students offered data-driven strategies to improve public perception and cross-sector collaboration.
Oakland Schools Technical Campuses (OSTC)

Students pitched employer tours to strengthen business connections and raise awareness of local talent pipelines.

What You Can Apply in Your Community?

Start small—but start real.
Even a single authentic challenge from a local business or nonprofit can provide a powerful Pro-BL experience.
Leverage local networks.
EPIC’s success came from activating chambers and community organizations as conveners. Who in your region could play this role?
Prioritize student voice and outcomes.
Invite students to present to real stakeholders. Focus on growth in communication, problem-solving, and career awareness.
Design for mutual benefit.
Ensure partners gain fresh insights or strategies—this increases buy-in and sustainability.
Seek funding or structure to scale.
Whether through microgrants or models like Skill Savings Accounts, building infrastructure helps ensure equity and continuity.

Profession-based learning thrives when community, industry, and education collaborate. By putting real-world challenges in front of students, we not only build their confidence and skills—we ignite their sense of purpose and possibility. EPIC is one model. Your version might start with a single question: What problem could a student help solve in your world?

By Melisa Ozturk, Whitney Donohue & Valentina Baker, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Interns. Originally published by the U.S. Chamber Foundation; adapted for experience.work

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