NPC program sees success
The National Park College Great Lakes Career Ready Internship Grant program placed 92 student internships with 40 employers over the last year, the college said in a news release.
At least 11 interns received job offers and 70 percent of employers reported it is very likely their organization would hire interns they have hosted the release said.
The internship grant was awarded to NPC in 2017 with the goal of helping students gain career-related skills and connections while working toward their degree. Students who participated in the program experienced exceptional success rates with 91 percent of students either continuing college coursework or graduating with a credential.
Though the grant ended in May, NPC plans to continue the program and has committed to provide a 50-50 match for internship salaries up to 135 hours. The college is asking partnering employers to do the same.
“Internships are an excellent way for students to apply classroom learning to real-world employment and to network with employers to begin their career,” said Mary Kay Wurm, director of career services. “We are grateful to employers who share their time and talent with our college community.”
Angela Echols with Accessible Legal Services hosted paralegal intern Jerry Spetsieris.
“Jerry came to us with a great skill set that really helped boost our productivity,” Echols said. “As a nonprofit firm, we have to operate with efficiency and Jerry contributed to that while gaining valuable work experience for his future.”
NPC was one of 16 twoyear institutions to receive the grant, which totaled $174,816. Awardees received a combined $2.1 million to create over 1,000 internships.
“Paid internships benefit students, colleges and employers,” Richard D. George, Great Lakes president and chief executive officer, said in the release. “Students gain meaningful workplace skills and are more likely to earn degrees and use their internship experiences to help secure good jobs upon graduation. Colleges will see increased completion and job placement rates, and employers gain a pipeline to fresh talent. It’s a win-win-win.”