Celebrate Interns in your organization (July 12-16, 2021)

DAYTON, Ohio (June 28, 2021) – The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) leads several initiatives to increase internships and close workforce gaps in Ohio. The Dayton Region recognizes the immense value of interns in workplaces and communities. Dayton Region Internship Appreciation Week encourages Southwestern Ohio companies to show their appreciation for interns at all levels. Companies can visit  https://bit.ly/3hL2ZvT for ideas on how to thank their interns.   

Several Mayors in the Miami Valley have issued proclamations to declare Intern Appreciation Week for their city from July 12 – 16, 2021.  Thanks much to the cities of Springfield, Beavercreek, Trotwood, and Centerville! Other cities are welcome to join!   

SOCHE’s member colleges and universities, representing nearly 200,000 students, participate in thousands of internships throughout the year. These 200,000 students, in addition to all the region’s high school students, are the future workforce. Hiring these students boosts the likelihood that they will remain in the area as full-time employees.

“We’re proud of the ever-increasing intern numbers across the region and we hope that employers and colleges and universities are equally proud of the progress,” said Cassie Barlow, President of SOCHE. “Every year we work to strengthen and evolve partnerships between the private sector and higher education to provide more internship opportunities in Ohio,” Barlow added.  

SOCHE’s internship program employs hundreds of students, high school through the post-doctoral level, in many positions to support Wright Patterson Air Force Base, the City of Dayton, and Montgomery County, as well as numerous small and mid-sized companies. Internship roles call for students majoring in various subjects, including science, technology, engineering, math, arts, business, social sciences, manufacturing, and humanities majors. 

Patty Buddelmeyer, Vice President of Development at SOCHE, added, “We’re excited to see more and more employers with interns in the Dayton region. Businesses are experiencing the value interns bring to workplaces. The rising internship numbers speak to the commitment of the local business community and colleges and universities to retain talented and engaged students in the region.”  

Formed in 1967, SOCHE is the trusted and recognized regional leader for higher collaboration, working with colleges and universities to transform their communities and economies through the education, employment, and engagement of nearly 200,000 students in southwest Ohio. SOCHE is home to SOCHEintern, the Aerospace Professional Development Center (APDC), and Defense Associated Graduate Student Innovators (DAGSI). For more information about SOCHE and all SOCHE initiatives, visit http://www.soche.org/.