The Rise of Industry-Academic Partnerships

April 26, 2022

hands holding puzzle piecesWith the Kean University Foundation fully immersed in the vision of Kean University’s 18th President, Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., we are broadening our philanthropic horizons to provide career-oriented opportunities for our students by establishing collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses and corporations across the industry. While these partnerships take time to develop from initial brainstorming to detailed implementation, the return on the investment, or “ROI”, can be substantial for our students, the University and the regional economy.

It all begins with building relationships. Ed Ahart, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the Kean University Foundation, is in discussions with individuals and teams at companies in various industries, from finance to cybersecurity, to explore ways in which students at Kean can immerse themselves in their chosen fields. Opportunities such as paid internships, job placement, company-sponsored certification programs, and guest lectures given by leadership of the respective corporations can be attractive to regional businesses who recognize the opportunity to navigate their employee pipeline while engaging with the community.

Following a tumultuous time during which our nation and student body faced numerous societal and socioeconomic challenges, we are redoubling our efforts to create meaningful partnerships that offer our students the opportunity to be placed in the work field, readily trained and knowledgeable of industry culture, while setting the stage for professional success.

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