AL launches program to connect HBCU students, professional learning experiences

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivy announced the Alabama HBCU Co-Op Pilot Program to provide students at the state’s 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the opportunity for hands-on work experience in STEM fields as well as create greater collaboration between Alabama’s HBCUs, industry, and government. Participating students will be required to complete three co-op semesters with some of the state’s top companies in order to gain a sense of professional experience in the area of their majors. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion. The pilot program is scheduled to launch in early 2019.

To participate in the Alabama HBCU Co-Op Pilot Program, students must be at least 18 years of age and enrolled at one of the Alabama HBCUs with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a STEM field of study. Four-year students must have completed their first year of study while two-year students should have completed at least one 15-week term. Eligibility also is restricted to students who are racial/ethnic minorities.

The Alabama HBCU Co-Op Pilot Program was created under the umbrella of the Alabama HBCU Initiative and is incorporated into Gov. Ivey’s Strong Start, Strong Finish education initiative, as part of the governor’s focus on apprenticeships and work-based learning programs.

More information about the program can be found at goma.alabama.gov.