Upskill: An Immersive Experiential Learning Program
Upskill!
An Immersive Experiential Learning Program
Upskill is a one-week, immersive experiential learning opportunity offered annually in both January and May where students gain hands-on experience and build skills applicable to specific industries and fields. Students work with experts, practitioners, and trainers to apply what they’re learning to real world scenarios.
In January 2026, there were six tracks offered: AI, Entrepreneurship, Investment Banking, Journalism, and Medical Professions & Software Development Lifecycle.
In May 2026, there will be three tracks offered: Artificial Intelligence, Business Foundations, and Data Analysis.
Spring 2026 Details At-A-Glance
Program Dates: May 11–14, 2026
Program runs from Monday at 9am through Thursday evening at 5pm including full-day sessions and some evening / off-site activities. Transportation to off-site activities is provided.
Application Deadline: March 27, 2026 at 5pm EST
Location: Wellesley College Campus
Eligibility: Tracks are open to first years, sophomores, and juniors across all majors with no prerequisites required.
Cost: If accepted, the cost of about $1,500 per student is fully covered by Wellesley Career Education including housing and meals to remain on-campus through Thursday, May 14th.
Credit: Students receive a certificate of completion and 1 experiential learning unit on their transcript counting toward their degree requirement.
Application & Selection: Students are welcome to apply to multiple Upskill tracks. Applications will be evaluated on their ability to communicate interest in the respective area as well as clarity in how the program will support their career journey.
May 2026 Program Tracks
Artificial Intelligence
Participants will gain an understanding of AI through the lens of their future industry of interest. The program is designed to move students from basic AI literacy to prototyping while building tools for ethical leadership. Students will gain an understanding of the Wellesley AI Prism Framework that recognizes that ethical leadership requires the ability to refract artificial intelligence through five critical domains – technical skill, ethical judgement, industry application, governance and policy, and leadership and agency. This framework ensures students are not just technical users as they advance through early career stages, but become the architects and orchestrators of organizational strategy for a better digital future. No technology prerequisites or previous AI experience required.
Data Analysis
The Data Analysis track is designed to provide critical quantitative skills expected of employees across industries such as healthcare, technology, marketing, science, government, nonprofits, and more. Training will cover topics such as Excel for industry, Tableau big data analytics and dashboarding, and SQL data extractions and wrangling. Students will apply their new skills in a culminating group project case where they'll perform analysis and build presentations as simulated advisors, boosting their professional confidence and career readiness. No prerequisites or previous experience with tools required.
Business Foundations
The Business Foundations track is designed for any student, regardless of major, interested in exploring the business world and gaining marketable skills and experience for the internship and job search. The track will include interactive sessions on Core Concepts in Business, Product, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Business Strategy & Consulting, Entrepreneurship, and more that will teach you business fundamentals and get you on your feet practicing skills ranging from Product Design and Marketing Strategy to Financial Modeling and Competitive Analysis. The week includes a combination of lectures and experiential activities that enable students to immediately apply what they’re learning and “try on” different business careers. Students will participate in a ”Buildathon” capstone where they work in teams to build out and pitch an organizational concept in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
