Dana Stephenson

Dana Stephenson is the co-founder of work-based learning firm Riipen, which he started as an undergraduate college student and has since grown to work with more than 700 colleges and universities across North America.

What even is work-based learning? Here’s a guide

The question isn’t whether students need real-world work experience, nor is it what those experiences should be called.

Working while in college should be a competitive advantage—not a burden

When work-based learning is integrated directly into coursework, students don’t have to choose between learning and earning or between academic success and career readiness.

Rural colleges, and their communities, are in trouble. Here’s what we can do

For rural colleges, the path forward is about more than keeping the doors open—it’s about rethinking an institution’s role in the community.