Cooperative Education is a powerful educational tool that merges in-class instruction with job training experiences, designed
to assist students in preparing for and exploring their occupational objectives. Co-op allows qualified students the
opportunity to participate in work-integrated learning while gaining relevant work experience, academic credit, and great pay.
Benefits of Cooperative Education
Faculty:
- Reinforce academic standards
- Provide employment for your students
- Increase number of students enrolled in program
- Extend educational opportunities beyond the college’s physical and financial resources
- Allow students and instructors to utilize the expertise of skilled individuals in
the community who are involved in the training of young people
- Enrich the curriculum by providing on-the-job training experiences needed to prepare for specific career goals
- Provide faculty the opportunity to stay current with changes in the workplace, as technology continues
to change the way we work and live
Employers:
- Can have access to a year-round supply of well-trained and highly motivated students
- Can hire Cooperative Education students who will contribute their specific knowledge to a special project
- Can participate in cost-effective recruiting
- Are able to evaluate potential full-time hires without a long-term commitment
- Can contribute to a student's college education
Students:
- Provide employability skills through an organized plan of training under actual on-the-job conditions
- Integrate application of academic skills to the workplace
- Provide an opportunity for employment in the community following graduation
- Increase responsibility and attitudes necessary for individual maturity and job competence
- Develop safe work habits, positive attitudes, and a strong work ethic
- Guide students in making informed career choices
- Assist in the development of resumes and portfolios
- Enable a more professional transition from education to career by combining the efforts of employers and faculty in job training
- Encourage students to complete their education and allow for additional income
Program Requirements:
To qualify for participation in the Gadsden State Cooperative Education Program, students must:
- Possess a high degree of character and maturity
- Demonstrate academic ability and have a Grade Point Average of 2.5
- Be currently enrolled and have already completed a minimum of 12 hours within their program of study
- Earn the recommendation of their instructors as described in the Co-op specific criteria
Orientation Session
Cooperative Education Orientation Sessions are held once a month on the second Wednesday at 12:00 noon in the Career
Services Office, East Broad Campus, Administration Building, Room 207, and each fourth Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the
Learning Resources Center on the Ayers Campus.
Attendance at one of the sessions is mandatory for all students who wish to participate in the Co-op program. Details
about the application process and semester course will be explained. The Orientation Session provides a great
time and opportunity to ask questions about the program. For additional information and to reserve a space in the session,
contact the Program Director at (256)549-8606 or (256)549-8635.
"Changing Lives One Student At A Time"
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