Raleigh, N.C. — State Employees CU's foundation has teamed up with local universities to roll out a pilot paid internship program that could eventually be expanded statewide.
The foundation has committed to $300,000 for the internships that will be available to students at three constituent campuses of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System: the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, Appalachian State University and East Carolina University.
The foundation will award each university up to $100,000 in support of paid internships for 20 qualifying in-state undergraduates for the summer of 2015.
Administered by each university, the program is designed to provide sophomore or junior college students "with meaningful job experiences through internship assignments focused on local leadership in rural North Carolina communities," SECU explained.
By matching their interests and talents, the program will give participating interns "a unique learning opportunity that will allow them to give back to their community by working on projects with government agencies, non-profits, or private and public businesses in industry sectors including healthcare, technology, social services, education or marketing, among others," SECU added.
Two objectives of the SECU Internship Program, the foundation noted, are to "help build capacity for underserved areas and reduce the talent drain" from North Carolina's rural communities.
SECU also said that the successful completion of the pilot program could serve as the model for implementing a future statewide internship program.
"The SECU Internship Program is a great educational driver that further represents the commitment of SECU members to students' educational aspirations," said Dr. Marilyn Sheerer, SECU Foundation board member and Internship Committee Chair, in a statement. "These hard-working students will be immersed in a hands-on learning experience that may stimulate an occupational interest and lead to a career in their home county. It gives me great pleasure as a state educator and a credit union member to be involved in the creation and implementation of this initiative."
McKinley Wooten, SECU Foundation Board Chair, commented that he is "excited to be partnering with the UNC System to bring the SECU Internship Program to the table in more remote areas."
Wooten added that in "today's competitive world, it's important to provide students with opportunities that will help open doors for them to gain valuable work experience and a fresh perspective of the workings and challenges of rural government agencies and organizations. Ultimately, their talents and skills can help make a positive impact in the economic future of North Carolina's communities."
