Monroe-Brown program helps interns by providing more opportunities

Opportunities for interns are growing rapidly in the Kalamazoo area.

The Monroe-Brown Internship Program, a collaboration between Southwest Michigan First and the Monroe-Brown Foundation, says 39 internships at 28 companies are being offered. That's more than twice the number offered in past years.

"We are overwhelmed by the support shown by our local employers this year," said Robert M.  Brown, president of the Monroe-Brown Foundation.

The program is open to in-coming juniors, seniors and graduate students at Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, the Kalamazoo campus of Davenport University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan and second-year students at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Students attending Michigan State University and University of Michigan must have attended high school in the greater Kalamazoo area.  

Once the intern is hired, he or she will work for the company for a minimum of 400 hours between May and September. This is typically full-time for ten weeks, but can be customized to suit the needs of the individual companies and interns. Throughout the internship, the student will receive hourly wages, networking opportunities and career experience.  
 
Upon successful completion of the internship, as agreed upon by the employing company and the Monroe-Brown Foundation, the intern can receive up to $5,500 in the form of a scholarship from the Monroe-Brown Foundation paid directly to the school and applied to the student's account.

More information about the Monroe-Brown Foundation can be found at its website.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Robert M.  Brown, Monroe-Brown Foundation