Project VITAL
Vocational Identity and Talent in Academic Learning
Project VITAL is a Title V HSI grant awarded in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Education to expand educational opportunities by connecting purpose and vocation with the academic curriculum.
Why Project VITAL?
This program has been designed to expand educational opportunities for, and improve the academic attainment of, Hispanic students, as well as low-income students from all backgrounds, by connecting purpose and vocation with the academic curriculum, along with additional institutional improvements.
What Is Vocation?
Vocation in the Lutheran tradition speaks to a calling beyond a particular occupation or trade to a discernment of purpose that fully embraces each person’s unique set of strengths, experiences, talents and cultural wealth and encourages a life of service and justice.
There are multiple components within Project VITAL that are being carried out through campus channels of faculty and staff. Learn about each activity below.
Mentorship Program
Helps undergraduate students (mentees) connect to seasoned professionals at Cal Lutheran (mentors).
Internship Stipend
A semester-long cost-of-living stipend that provides funding to students who secure either on-campus or external internships.
Faculty Learning Circles
A by faculty, for faculty initiative, designed to concretize and institutionalize the faculty mentor role at Cal Lutheran.
Supervising Student Workers
Empowers supervisors to work more actively with students in exploring career interests, develop competencies, etc.
Peer Advising
Program
Revitalizes peer advising program with new professional development trainings for Peer Mentors.
Redesign of Online Courses
Redesigns courses for online instruction for post-traditional students in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals.
Financial Literacy
Each year one financial literacy workshop will be offered to 75 students. Family members will also be welcome.