TExPL® joins Alvernia

Institute for award-winning methodology finds new home base

Adelle Schade, Ph.D. founder of Total Experience Learning® ("TExpL") announced today that her award-winning institute will join the Alvernia community, extending the university's commitment to practical learning and meeting learners where they are.

"Alvernia University is a natural partner as we look toward the future," shared Adelle Schade, Ph.D., founder of TExpL®. "With its focus on innovation and its burgeoning campus-community ecosystem, coupled with its innovative, experiential-based approach to learning, Alvernia University will build on our strong reputation and enhance our area partnerships."

TExpL® is an award-winning methodology that encourages interdisciplinary learning through student-led experiences, resulting in students' measurable personal success. Educators are trained in solutions-driven TExpL® philosophies, empowering them to implement project-management techniques in their classrooms and personalize their teaching practices. Student-focused programs encourage self-directed research projects across vitally important disciplines.

"At the heart of our institution is experiential learning. The mission of TExpL® resonates with Alvernia's legacy as a teacher's college and our lasting commitment to service and lifelong learning," shared Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., President of Alvernia.

TExpL®has more than 80 organizations in partnership, including businesses, industry groups, educational entities and foundations. Through this state-of-the-art approach, TExpL®-certified educators integrate the methodology in classrooms across Berks County, Pennsylvania. In recent years, the program has also reached beyond the Berks County borders, with partnerships in surrounding counties and across the United States.

TExpL® had previously been housed at Albright College. "As Albright College welcomes a new leader to our School of Educational Innovation to continue Albright's long-standing history of educating teachers through a range of deeply experiential programs, we thank Adelle Schade for her service over the last four years and wish Alvernia University the very best in its new endeavor," said Debra Townsley, Ph.D., interim president, Albright College. "Educating future teachers, leaders and innovators in Berks County and beyond is a priority for all of us."

TExpL® operations will be housed in the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, Alvernia's 250,000-square-foot living-learning facility in downtown Reading. Students and educators enrolled in dual enrollment, after-school, or certificate programs will now take courses on Alvernia's campus.

TExpL® at Alvernia University will also form a partnership with the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship at Drexel University that will develop programs to meet emerging needs and create opportunities for educators and students.

The Total Experience Learning Institute will complement Alvernia's robust experiential learning offerings and community-focused initiatives. The university has grown into a model for how academic institutions engage with business leaders to positively impact communities, notably through its Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement and O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship.