Overview

What is the Cooperative Education/Internship Program?

• It is a program that helps students practice skills you have learned in the classroom in a real job setting. 

• It is a credit course offered in most areas of study. Credit is given for learning in a worksite related to your major area of study. 

• Credit can be earned regardless of whether you are paid or volunteering. 

• It is a coordinated effort between a student, the college, and an employer to prepare a student for employment. 

Benefits of Cooperative Education

For Students

• A chance to practice skills learned in class. 

•  An opportunity to learn things not taught in class. 

• Work experience for a resumé. 

For Employers

• A source of enthusiastic and motivated workers for part-time or short-term activities 

• An opportunity to pre-screen potential workers with no obligation to hire 

• An avenue for direct input into college education and training 

For Faculty

• Cooperative education work experience is a significant contributor to the student’s overall academic success.

• The classroom learning environment is enhanced by the presence of students with cooperative education experience.

• Students often make contributions to classroom discussions based upon their co-op work experiences.

• Students are better prepared to understand the course material presented in class as a result of their co-op experience.

• Co-op students ask more relevant and sophisticated questions in the classroom than do non co-op students.

•  Co-op students are more motivated to perform well in the classroom than non co-op students as a result of their co-op experience.

Baber, T., & Fortenberry, N. (2008). The academic value of Cooperative Education: A literature review. 2008 Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--3148

• Additional Compensation (If applicable)

Cooperative Education Process