Oct. 2, 2013
Contact Tom Knothe, dean of the Dahl School of Business, at teknothe@viterbo.edu or 608-796-3376

VITERBO
UNIVERSITY AWARDED $135,000 TO FUND PAID INTERNSHIPS

LA
CROSSE, Wis. – More Viterbo students will be eligible to land paid
internships thanks to a $135,000 Career Ready Internship Initiative Grant
funded by Great Lakes Educational Corporation.

Great Lakes provided the funding to
help universities like Viterbo turn unpaid internships into paid internships
and create new paid internships for juniors and seniors with financial need.

Viterbo was one of 19 Wisconsin colleges and universities to
receive funds.

Historically unpaid internships can offer students the
opportunity to work in their field of study while they are still in college.
However, many students cannot participate because they cannot afford to go
without a salary.

When
students are unable to take an internship opportunity, they miss out on
invaluable, real-world experience in their field of study—experience that can
make them more competitive in the job market after graduation.

“These grants will give nearly 1,300 Wisconsin students the
chance to benefit from paid internships in their fields of study—and a better
chance at competing with wealthier peers after graduation,” said Richard George,
president and chief executive officer of Great Lakes.

According to Tom Knothe, dean of the Dahl School of Business,
the grant will provide an invaluable opportunity not only for the student, but
also for nonprofits to benefit. “We have a number of great sites located within
nonprofits, many of which are hard pressed to pay for interns. Now they will
get the benefit of the internships while our students gain invaluable
experience.”                                                                                                                                               -30-