Student interns will help to meet workforce needs in Venango and Clarion counties thanks to a grant from the McElhattan Foundation.
猎奇重口 has received a three-year, $332,000 grant from the McElhattan Foundation to enhance student internship experiences and meet workforce needs in Clarion and Venango counties.
The three-year grant will provide stipends for 猎奇重口 students pursuing paid or unpaid internships in those counties. Additionally, it will fund a new internship program coordinator position in the Career Center, based at the 猎奇重口 Clarion campus.
猎奇重口 will partner with regional chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, non-profit organizations and businesses to place qualified students in positions that address workforce needs.
"Internships play a critical role in students鈥� career readiness by providing skill development and networking opportunities. However, two common barriers are the lack of competitively paid internships and support for small businesses and organizations interested in hosting interns. This generous grant from the McElhattan Foundation helps 猎奇重口 address those barriers,鈥� said Rhonda Gifford, executive director of experiential learning and employer engagement.
The McElhattan Foundation has strong connections to Clarion and Venango counties, particularly the communities of Knox and Franklin. The foundation prioritizes initiatives to foster economic growth and enhance the local environment to ensure that both towns flourish.
鈥淭he McElhattan Foundation is proud to collaborate with 猎奇重口 University to create this initiative, which aligns with our mission to foster economic growth and provide meaningful opportunities for young professionals in Clarion and Venango counties,鈥� said Sarah Pistella, Program Officer at the McElhattan Foundation.
鈥淏y investing in students and equipping local organizations with the resources to host internships, we aim to strengthen the workforce and ensure these communities continue to thrive.鈥�