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We know that when students apply their classroom learning in practical settings, it clarifies their career aspirations and helps them cultivate skills essential for success in the ever-evolving world of work. That’s why Western Michigan University is committed to developing innovative pathways to experiential-learning opportunities for our students. The new Broncos Lead Internship Program is among the latest examples of these efforts.

Funded through our historic Empowering Futures Gift, the paid internship initiative is a perfect pairing, serving both our students and our community exceptionally well. Small businesses, nonprofits and startups are given the funds to leverage the talent and fresh perspectives of college students while our Broncos are paid to contribute their skills to community enterprises and begin learning the intricacies of different industries and professions.

Over the summer, some interns worked alongside attorneys who gave them views into the halls of justice not many get as undergrads. Other students supported a project dedicated to reclaiming green space for Kalamazoo-area children to play in and got a glimpse into the grant-writing skills needed at many nonprofits. In Detroit, interns aided a different nonprofit’s mission to help youngsters become more proficient at public speaking. Meaningful hands-on coaching, serving as primary teachers to the youth and watching them build confidence, served as a final puzzle piece and brought to a close successful internship experiences for the five interns.

These organizations invested in our students by providing resume-worthy experiences and our students walked away with enhanced skills, a preview of potential career paths and the satisfaction of knowing they played a role in advancing organizations doing critical work in their communities.

Our critical work 51¸£ÀûÉç is to always empower our Broncos to gain valuable skills and experiences that will set them up for meaningful careers and fulfilling lives.

Sincerely,