Partnership Fosters Career Opportunities for Illinois College Intern Ryan Blesse

2012 Oct 16

Thanks to an innovative partnership between Illinois College and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), Ryan Blesse completed an internship this summer that provided the senior from Jacksonville with valuable on-the-job experience he can now apply toward his future career.

Blesse, a graduate of Jacksonville High School, is among a group of 25 participants in the Illinois College Explorers program for 2012. Each of the students was given the opportunity to apply what they have learned so far in the classroom to the workplace. Blesse was assigned to the Illinois State Museum in Springfield.

The IBHE recently awarded a $21,830 Cooperative Work Study Grant to Illinois College, a sum that was matched by the college and the contributions of nine employers to provide 25 paid internships during 2012-2013. Most of the internships took place this summer.

Internship sites under the partnership include the Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Illinois State Museum, Heritage Health, Rammelkamp Bradney Law Office, the Jacksonville Developmental Center, Nestle' USA and H.D. Smith.

In addition to being paid for their internships, IC Explorers can qualify for free summer living accommodations on campus, and they receive free academic credits toward graduation.

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success.