Education in Real Life
A PIONEERING LEARNING EXPERIENCE BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CLASSROOM AND WORKPLACE
May 18 – June 12, 2026 | 3 Free Credits | $1,000 Stipend
Education in Real Life is a four-week summer program that offers students the opportunity to explore how human creativity, reason, and technical skill converge in industries that are rapidly evolving to meet the capabilities of AI and other technologies.
Open to rising sophomores and juniors, students in this program receive 3 free credits and a $1,000 stipend.
In this innovative program, students are immersed, through interactions with prominent professionals, in three industries central to modern life: energy, construction, and hospitality.
Students engage directly with leaders in each of these areas, gaining valuable insight into the challenges they face and the opportunities technology provides.
Education in Real Life is ideal for students who are curious about what the future holds—and how to develop the skills and habits of minds to flourish in the age of AI.
About the Program
Through coursework, conversation with industry leaders, small-group activities and site visits, students will examine how AI and other digital technologies are rapidly reshaping planning, performance and workforce needs. At the same time, students will connect industry knowledge with the reading of texts relevant to the themes raised by consideration of energy, construction, hospitality and the world they shape.
Our professional partners include Eos Energy Enterprises; Consigli Construction Co., Inc; Union Square Hospitality Group; Wyndham Hotels and Resorts; and legendary Westchester restaurateur John Crabtree. Working alongside Iona faculty, these partners will be central to Education in Real Life, allowing participating students to:
- Explore real industries to understand their core demands and objectives as well as how AI can reconfigure strategy, systems and operations.
- Engage directly with industry professionals and faculty mentors, gaining clarity on the evolution of industries and the jobs that support them.
- Examine real-world career journeys and opportunities.
- Connect reading and reflection to the pursuit of personal and professional goals, linking lessons with technical and professional experience.
Program Benefits
Earn Credits and a Stipend
Students in this program earn 3 free credits and receive a $1,000 stipend while exploring their interests, discovering new strengths and building confidence along the way.
Learn from Leading Professionals
Through presentations from experienced industry partners and conversations that tap their experience, students get the benefit of the vision and operational expertise they bring to their rapidly evolving domains.
Connect Learning to Life
What is the meaning of work? Does the advent of AI change it? Iona faculty mentor students as they ask these questions and explore answers with our accomplished roster of industry leaders on campus and on site visits.
Eligibility Criteria
Iona students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply for the Education in Real Life summer program:
- Be a rising Iona sophomore and junior
- Must have a 2.0 GPA or higher
Please note that this program is open to all majors (and undeclared). No tech background is required, just curiosity and commitment.
Application Process
Application Deadline: March 11, 2026
Interested students must complete a short online application, which includes:
- Basic contact and academic information
- A brief reflection of interest
- One recommender (no letter required)
- Confirmation of availability for the full program duration