State University of New York campuses are investing nearly $10 million in annual state funding to provide 3,000 SUNY students with internships and other experiential learning opportunities before graduation. The funding was secured through the historic $163 million increase in direct operating aid to SUNY’s State-operated campuses for FY 2024.
“Internships provide students with transformative opportunities outside of the classroom to explore their fields of study and gain vital, hands-on experience before graduation,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “With this nearly $10 million in state funding, we are expanding internship opportunities for thousands of students at SUNY schools to help ensure graduates have the skills they need to enter the workforce and pursue their careers.”
SUNY Chancellor John King visited SUNY Delhi, where he met with students and business leaders to discuss internship opportunities and the ways SUNY can create a workforce development pipeline in Delaware County and across the state. SUNY Delhi will utilize its funding to provide high-quality applied learning opportunities by hiring student interns to assist with various projects on campus. Each internship will align with academic programs and be tailored to the student’s interests and career goals. The campus will also hire a Director of Career and Transfer Services to bolster student success; implement the on-line platform Handshake to improve job placement rates, career development resources, and enhanced alumni engagement; and offer financial support for students to ensure they have access to opportunities from the pre-employment/recruitment stage through completion of the internship/work experience.
Other state-operated campuses will use their portion of the $10 million to expand internship opportunities and professional career development including:
- All 29 campuses will increase the number of paid internship slots for undergraduate students.
- At least 28 campuses will provide internship stipends, including wraparound supports like childcare and transportation access, that students face to complete internships.
- At least 25 campuses will hire staff for internship coordination, which includes developing employer and industry partnerships.
- At least 9 campuses will invest in software programs to create job boards and track internship opportunities.
