Dayton Region Intern Appreciation Week 2021

Celebrate Interns in your organization (July 12-16, 2021)

student working in the science lab
Intern working in the lab

The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) leads several initiatives to increase internships and close workforce gaps in Ohio. The Dayton Region recognizes the immense value of interns in workplaces and communities. Dayton Region Internship Appreciation Week encourages Southwestern Ohio companies to show their appreciation for interns at all levels. Companies can visit Dayton Region Intern Appreciation Week for ideas on how to thank their interns.   

Several Mayors in the Miami Valley have issued proclamations to declare Intern Appreciation Week for their city from July 12 – 16, 2021.  Thanks much to the cities of Springfield, Beavercreek, Trotwood, and Centerville! Other cities are welcome to join!   

Cassie Barlow SOCHE President
Cassie Barlow,
SOCHE President

SOCHE’s member colleges and universities, representing nearly 200,000 students, participate in thousands of internships throughout the year. These 200,000 students, in addition to all the region’s high school students, are the future workforce. Hiring these students boosts the likelihood that they will remain in the area as full-time employees.

“We’re proud of the ever-increasing intern numbers across the region and we hope that employers and colleges and universities are equally proud of the progress,” said Cassie Barlow, President of SOCHE. “Every year we work to strengthen and evolve partnerships between the private sector and higher education to provide more internship opportunities in Ohio,” Barlow added.  

Patty Buddelmeyer VP of Business Development
Patty Buddelmeyer,
Vice President of Development

SOCHE’s internship program employs hundreds of students, high school through the post-doctoral level, in many positions to support Wright Patterson Air Force Base, the City of Dayton, and Montgomery County, as well as numerous small and mid-sized companies. Internship roles call for students majoring in various subjects, including science, technology, engineering, math, arts, business, social sciences, manufacturing, and humanities majors. 

Patty Buddelmeyer, Vice President of Development at SOCHE, added, “We’re excited to see more and more employers with interns in the Dayton region. Businesses are experiencing the value interns bring to workplaces. The rising internship numbers speak to the commitment of the local business community and colleges and universities to retain talented and engaged students in the region.”  

Formed in 1967, SOCHE is the trusted and recognized regional leader for higher collaboration, working with colleges and universities to transform their communities and economies through the education, employment, and engagement of nearly 200,000 students in southwest Ohio. SOCHE is home to SOCHEinternthe Aerospace Professional Development Center (APDC), and Defense Associated Graduate Student Innovators (DAGSI).

Councils & Committees

SOCHE is dedicated to advancing higher education through active collaboration, resource and knowledge building, and effective professional development programs. To accomplish this, SOCHE administers 16 active Councils and Committees. The purpose of a SOCHE Council or Committee is to provide an opportunity for representatives from higher education to be a resource for one another, share information and best practices, identify common challenges, and, ultimately, broaden awareness of the resources, services, and activities in higher education. SOCHE is also dependent upon the Councils and Committees for substantial input on annual professional development programs.

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