For a second consecutive year, Clarion University has received an economic development grant from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to increase the number of enrolled students who schedule and complete internships and learning experiences.
Specifically, the Clarion University Program for High Priority Occupations Internships will be used for internship opportunities and learning experiences in businesses or other organizations, which focus upon critical employment needs of northwestern Pennsylvania.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania classifies an occupation as "high priority" if it meets three criteria: requires higher skill levels, provides a family-sustaining wage, and is in demand by employers with 35-50 job openings over five years.
Earlier this semester members of the High Priority Occupations Internship Program Committee - Dr. Jon Beal, College of Arts and Sciences; Renee Bloom, Venango Campus; Dr. Jeffrey Eicher, College of Business Administration; Connie Laughlin, Career Services Center; Dr. Colleen McAleer, College of Education and Human Services; Dr. Woodrow Yeaney, Small Business Development Center; and Dr. Jim Pesek, committee chair - met to develop the guidelines and timetable for the grant.
The Committee is planning on awarding approximately 12 internships/learning experiences that must begin before June 30, 2009. Applications will be accepted from all academic disciplines that meet the specified criteria.
Students may receive an $800 stipend for an approved internship/learning experience. Compensation for the faculty coordinator will be according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for internships or independent study learning experiences whichever applies.
To apply for an internship/learning experience, faculty coordinators should submit the student's appropriately completed Internship Learning Agreement or Independent Study Form to Connie Laughlin by Dec. 1. For additional information contact jpesek@clarion.edu or telephone (814) 393-2600; or Connie Laughlin, director of the Career Services Center at claughlin@clarion.edu or telephone (814) 393-2323.
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