Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation partners with University of Vermont’s Office of Engagement on a Summer Internship Pilot Program
March 17, 2023
Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation
1 National Life Drive
Montpelier, VT
For Immediate Release: Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation partners with University of Vermont’s Office of Engagement on a Summer Internship Pilot Program
Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation — one of 12 regional development corporations in Vermont — announced today its partnership with the University of Vermont’s Office of Engagement to pilot a summer internship program in Central Vermont to expand UVM’s reach into rural communities in the state.
UVM students will have the opportunity to connect with Central Vermont employers for summer internships. The pilot program will support the intern cohort and area employers through professional development workshops, intern wage subsidies and response to barriers faced by intern hosts.
“We are thrilled to partner with UVM on this pilot program,” says CVEDC Executive Director Melissa Bounty. “Central Vermont has so many unique businesses which could provide college students who have an interest or connection to our region with engaging, memorable experiences as they consider their future career options. We see this as so mutually beneficial to both students and employers in our region, and hope what we learn this summer can be used to bring this program to other regions next.”
Employers or students who are interested in learning more about this program should contact program manager Nicky Zambon at nzambon@cvedc.org or UVM Internship Coordinator Kristen Andrews at kristen.andrews@uvm.edu
“At the UVM Office of Engagement, we are working to support rural Vermont economic development by building a statewide talent pipeline,” Kristen Andrews said. “We’re excited to attract Vermont college students to internship positions in vibrant areas like Central Vermont in partnership with well connected, innovative leaders like Melissa Bounty. As a pilot program, our intent is to develop and assess this cohort-style internship experience with a local partner to work through the inevitable speed bumps along the way. Then, we plan to roll this out to additional partners across the state of Vermont in the following years in service to UVM’s land grant mission.”
Under the umbrella of another new institute, UVM’s Institute for Rural Partnerships, UVM will bring to bear the combined resources and expertise of multiple university entities to help find solutions to the most pressing problems that rural communities are facing—whether it’s a qualified workforce, broadband access, clean water, sustainable energy, suitable housing, food production, supporting more welcoming and inclusive communities, or mitigating the stresses placed on the region’s lakes, rivers and forests.
About CVEDC:
Organized in 1976 to provide impetus for the region’s economic development, CVEDC maintains a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of local business owners, State representatives, lenders, and municipal officials. Our funding primarily comes from the State of Vermont, our municipalities, and dues-paying members of CVEDC. https://www.cvedc.org/
About University of Vermont Office of Engagement:
The University of Vermont is committed to supporting the economic success of the state of Vermont. The Office of Engagement pursues opportunities with partner organizations to enhance conditions for productive economic and community development. https://www.uvm.edu/engagement
About UVM:
Since 1791, the University of Vermont has worked to move humankind forward. Today, UVM is a top research university of a perfect size, large enough to offer a breadth of ideas, resources, and opportunities, yet small enough to enable close faculty-student mentorship across all levels of study, from bachelor’s to M.D. programs. Here, students’ educational experience and activities are enriched by our location — from the energy and innovation of Burlington to the forests, farms, and independent spirit of Vermont. UVM provides students endless ways to explore the world, challenge ideas, and dig in on the most pressing issues of our time.