Pathways to Careers, a bold new initiative to provide funding support for students to connect with employers around the state of Maine has opened applications to expand student access to experiential learning opportunities including internships, co-ops, clinicals, practicums, apprenticeships, and other career-related experiences.
“For many students, access to these funds determines whether they can complete an internship,” said John Volin, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Maine. “Funding can cover mileage, housing, childcare, work attire and equipment. Many of these expenses often pose an impediment for hard-working students, making it difficult to complete an internship or work experience they need to get ahead in their careers.”
Pathways to Careers infuses deliberate, visible and effective opportunities across the University of Maine System to ensure effective career placement for students. The initiative aims to do the following:
● Expand access to internships and experiential learning with employer partners.
● Prepare students to get the most out of internships, co-ops and practicums.
● Work with external partners to create immersive student experiences.
● Increase career placement, satisfaction and performance.
Pathways to Careers is funded with generous support from the Harold Alfond Foundation as part of the UMS TRANSFORMS Student Success and Retention initiative and from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan provided by Gov. Mills and the 130th Maine Legislature to the University of Maine System for workforce development.
“We are grateful to the Harold Alfond Foundation and the Maine Legislature for their support for Pathways to Careers,” said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, University of Maine president and University of Maine System vice chancellor for research and innovation. Ferrini-Mundy also co-leads the UMS TRANSFORMS initiative. “Every day we are looking for ways to better serve our students through unique and meaningful opportunities. This initiative plays an integral role in helping students find career success.”
Students from around the System are encouraged to apply for support underwritten in part by $1.5 million dollars from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan for workforce development.
“Hands-on experiences in the workforce during college can be critical for students on so many levels,” said Scott Marzille, associate provost for student success and innovation. “Students need these experiences to help set their career goals and to land their first job post college. With this additional support, high impact internships and experiential learning opportunities can become accessible to a broader spectrum of students. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!”
Applications for Pathways to Careers are being accepted now. To receive support for a spring 2024 internship, applications must be received by March 15. To receive support for a summer or fall 2024 internship, applications must be received by April 15. To qualify for funds, students receive training to prepare them for their learning experience. For more information with links to the application and other requirements, visit https://www.maine.edu/transforms/student-grant-information/.
The UMS TRANSFORMS initiative, launched in October 2020 and funded through a historic $320 million commitment from the Harold Alfond Foundation, provides transformative leadership and innovative programs for student support, faculty development and collaborative degree programs by the University of Maine System to advance Maine’s economy and workforce in partnership with public and private sectors.
