The Value of Co-op Education with Patrick Jones, PhD

Join Sarah Holtan, PhD, as she has a dynamic conversation on the future of academia with Patrick Jones, PhD, Chancellor at Penn State Schulykill. They discuss in depth the transformative Co-op Program, which is an elective series of core courses complemented by immersive work experiences. With insights from 76 employer partners, students gain access to invaluable resources, from dynamic career chats to polished mock interviews and refined etiquette dinners. This program seamlessly integrates academic and professional development, setting students on a path to success. Tune in to explore the exceptional outcomes this program yields, from heightened GPAs to increased job offers upon graduation. Listen as they delve into the revolutionizing force behind higher education and the Co-op Program's potential to redefine the student experience. Episode Highlights:17:06 - The employers love the program. They love the energy and the new ideas that the student interns bring, and they don't just give them busy work. It's exciting to learn about the projects that the students are doing with the employers. 23:01 - It's up to the institution to decide if the label "Co-op" works for them. But even those elite institutions have career offices. They're still helping students find their way. And so, I don't think that it's for any particular type of institution. I think this is a kind of experience. It is certainly what the American public is asking for. It's what our elected representatives are asking for. It's what parents are looking for. And so whatever you call it, this really is applied learning.28:09 - I believe as college leaders that's part of our job. Our faculty are doing amazing things. Our staff are taking care of our students. Our students are succeeding in wonderful ways. How do we make sure that the business community understands what we're doing and how we bring value to their needs? Sarah Holtan, PhDLinkedInWebsitePatrick Jones, PhDLinkedIn