Clark State, Urbana U. get internship funding help

Several local colleges and universities are among 25 selected statewide to receive more than $10 million over the next two years for local co-op and internship opportunities.

Clark State Community College, in partnership with Urbana University, received a total of $221,359, split between fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

The aim of the Choose Ohio First Co-op/Internship Program is to create opportunities for Ohio college students that could lead to employment and more college grads choosing to stay in the state after graduation.

It is administered by the Board of Regents with the purpose of recruiting Ohio students to stay in the state. The money to fund the next two years of the program comes from casino license fees and was approved by the Ohio Controlling Board at the March 10 meeting.

Clark State Director of Marketing Jennifer Dietsch said the school will use the funds for various programs, including adding additional career services professionals on each campus and an enhanced student assessment and tracking system for advising.

“This program will offer opportunities for our colleges and universities to attract and retain talented young professionals in Ohio’s workforce,” said State Sen. Chris Widener, R-Springfield, in a press release announcing the award to four schools in his district.

Last year, Clark State received more than $28,000 to embed 20 interns with faculty and technology staff at the Advanced Virtual Engine Test Cell Inc. (AVETEC), a research organization in Springfield that helps local technology employers solve business problems.

The following are the amounts awarded to other local schools:

  • Antioch College, $120,000
  • Central State University, $211,226
  • Miami University, $748,566
  • University of Dayton, $800,000
  • Wright State University, $127,585

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