Published 03/01/2025 - The Role of Experiential Learning in Disaster Response

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters have placed immense pressure on disaster response and recovery mechanisms worldwide. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the number of natural disasters surged tenfold between 1960 and 2019, with floods and storms accounting for over 70% of these events between 1990 and 2019. In the U.S., data from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) reveals a stark rise in billion-dollar disasters, from an average of 8.5 per year between 1980 and 2023 to 20.4 annual events from 2019 to 2023. As of November 1, 2024, 24 weather- and climate-related disasters had already caused losses exceeding $1 billion.

With resources stretched thin, both governmental and non-governmental organizations are struggling to meet the growing demand for disaster response and recovery efforts. In this challenging landscape, university-based experiential and engaged learning programs are emerging as a vital complementary force. These initiatives not only enhance student education but also offer meaningful contributions to post-disaster recovery and preparedness efforts.

University Engagement in Disaster Recovery

Academic institutions are uniquely positioned to contribute to disaster response through research, policy development, and community collaboration. By leveraging faculty expertise, student innovation, and community partnerships, universities can help bridge resource gaps in post-disaster recovery. One such initiative is the Puerto Rico Planning Studio, led by Alberto Fuentes, Associate Professor at Georgia Tech’s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.

The Puerto Rico Planning Studio: A Case Study

Created in 2019 in response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Puerto Rico Planning Studio exemplifies how experiential learning can address real-world challenges. This annual program engages graduate and undergraduate students in collaborative projects with Puerto Rican organizations. Students conduct research and fieldwork in partnership with local agencies, culminating in deliverables that enhance disaster recovery efforts.

One of the Studio’s early projects in 2019 supported the Corporación del Proyecto ENLACE del Caño Martín Peña (ENLACE), a San Juan-based government entity working to improve resilience in low-income communities along the Martín Peña channel. Given ENLACE’s limited resources in the aftermath of the hurricanes, Studio participants provided critical assistance in project management, data analysis, and funding identification—directly bolstering the organization’s capacity to serve affected communities.

Expanding the Impact: Partnerships Beyond Government

University-based initiatives are not limited to public sector collaborations. In 2022, the Puerto Rico Planning Studio partnered with Impacto Juventud, a youth-focused non-governmental organization led by psychology professor Eduardo Lugo. Students worked with Impacto Juventud to assess infrastructure needs in the earthquake-impacted community of Rucio. Their efforts included mapping amenities and access gaps, as well as developing resources to support solar energy adoption in response to widespread electricity issues.

Academic Research and Policy Contributions

In addition to hands-on community projects, universities can drive impactful policy research. In 2024, Georgia Tech’s Puerto Rico Planning Studio collaborated with the Puerto Rican think tank Center for the New Economy (CNE) to analyze the distribution of post-disaster reconstruction funds following the 2020 earthquakes and 2022 Hurricane Fiona. The study evaluated whether funds were equitably allocated based on damage severity and community vulnerability. The findings informed CNE’s policy recommendations and disaster relief strategies, highlighting areas for improvement in current funding mechanisms.

The Future of Experiential Learning in Disaster Management

As climate change intensifies the frequency and devastation of natural disasters, innovative solutions are needed to support overstretched response and recovery systems. University-driven experiential learning programs offer a scalable and sustainable approach to disaster preparedness and resilience-building. By integrating academic research with on-the-ground initiatives, these programs not only equip students with valuable skills but also provide vital support to disaster-impacted communities.

The success of initiatives like the Puerto Rico Planning Studio underscores the potential for academic institutions to play a more significant role in global disaster response. Expanding such programs to other vulnerable regions could enhance both immediate recovery efforts and long-term resilience planning. In an era of escalating environmental challenges, collaboration between universities, governments, and civil society is more critical than ever.