Last modified: Wednesday, December 17, 2003
IU receives $5.5 million grant to enhance job opportunities in Indiana for state's college graduates
Indiana University has been awarded a $5.5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to identify and develop meaningful economic opportunities in Indiana for the state's college graduates.
The university intends to use the $5.5 million on all of its campuses to strengthen internship and job placement programs, establish partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, provide students with the skills necessary to start their own businesses and engage them in service learning opportunities. Funding will be provided for three years, beginning in 2004.
"The Lilly Endowment continues to show visionary leadership by exploring ways to improve Indiana's economic vitality," said IU President Adam Herbert. "Its focus on the retention of Indiana's intellectual capital is an essential element of a statewide, comprehensive economic development strategy. Indiana University is extremely grateful that the Lilly Endowment has included each of its campuses in such an important initiative. We are confident that our planned efforts will more effectively link IU students with job opportunities in Indiana and strengthen their commitment to long-term residency in the state."
IU is one of 37 colleges and universities that received a total of $38.9 million in grants from the Lilly Endowment's Initiative to Promote Opportunity Through Educational Collaborations. Grant totals were based on enrollment.
Research has indicated that Indiana is a net exporter of college graduates. Many observers believe that the state must increase its efforts to provide those graduates with attractive, future-oriented job opportunities.
In response to the Lilly Endowment request, IU designed creative initiatives focused on enhancing economic and career opportunities for the state's college graduates. The following is a summary of proposed programs by campus:
IU Bloomington -- Generate entrepreneurial excitement among students through new courses and create interdisciplinary growth teams that will undertake significant projects for a diverse group of for-profit and non-profit organizations.
IUPUI -- Create the IUPUI Solution Center to develop partnerships with industry and economic development leaders, design professional internships and respond to community needs. Establish a venture fund to enable community organizations to benefit from campus services.
IU East -- Begin a three-year program to train entrepreneurial-minded students to develop and test a business idea and pursue that idea after graduation.
IU Kokomo -- Establish a new community outreach office to link campus resources with community needs, such as interns and project assistance.
IU Northwest -- Develop service learning opportunities and internships for students through a new center that promotes strategic collaboration with the community.
IU South Bend -- Provide regional employers with strategies to develop effective internship programs and offer students meaningful work experiences. Create new center to work closely with community business and educational leaders.
IU Southeast -- Establish a community partnership program that matches the needs of community organizations with campus resources, such as interns, project teams and placement services.
