Gabby Glandorf

The University of Akron recently received a little under a million dollars through the Ohio Means Internships and Co-Ops (OMIC) grant.

“The goal of the grant is to open up new paid internship and co-op opportunities for students so that they can get real world experience before they go out into the job force,” Trillah Culver, a liaison assistant from the Career Center, said.

Culver said UA was given the third-highest grant in the state behind Wright State University and the University of Cincinnati. This grant gives students of all majors the opportunity for a paid internship or co-op and a great experience to put on their resume.

According to Culver, the main reason that The University of Akron was presented with this donation is that there is a variety of degree programs and talent within the student body that fit into what the state of Ohio determines as key industries. These include energy automotive, polymers, aerospace and aviation, food processing, financial services, and information technology.

While the businesses providing the opportunities must fit into one of these industries, the internship does not, Culver said. For example, a student could be given a paid internship for a graphic design position with a food processing company. Every paid internship received by a student also must be a brand-new position that was never offered before; therefore, giving the student a unique experience.

“Many local employers have signed up for this already, with new ones coming in everyday,” Culver said.

More information will be given about this grant on Wednesday, March 13th in Simmons Hall 111 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Any students interested in a paid internship or co-op are welcome to attend.