University of New Haven Launches Innovative Internship Signing Bonus Program

ËÄÉ«AV of New Haven announced the creation of a donor-supported Internship Signing Bonus program that, beginning this summer, will provide a $100 reward to all undergraduates who complete a qualified internship. This initiative supports the university's focus on career development as well as maximizing graduates' outcomes and the return on investment of earning a college degree.

During the 2024 calendar year, 700 undergraduate students completed internships during the 2024 calendar year, and there was a significant increase in experiential and professional learning opportunities during the Fall of 2024.

"We believe that internships and experiential learning are at the heart of the academic-career journey. These experiences are critical to students' maximizing their return on investment, earning opportunities in their fields of choice, and promoting career success," said Jens Frederiksen, president of the University of New Haven. "We are committed to being a leader in securing preferred partnerships and pathways that provide professional opportunities for our students across every sector of industry."

With the swirling uncertainty around cost and affordability as well as the relevance of higher education, this innovative program highlights the University of New Haven's commitment to provide a return on investment for its students. Families and students are making a significant investment in the future, and it is incumbent on institutions of higher education to deliver.

"Under President Frederiksen's leadership, the University is quickly becoming a leader in career preparation and in creating successful outcomes for graduates," said Frank Majors, an entrepreneur who is co-founder of Nephila Capital, one of the world's largest insurance-linked securities fund managers. "I am pleased to support the creation of a program that rewards students for exceling in internship opportunities that provide critical hands-on learning experiences and accelerates student career trajectories."

The internship bonus will be paid to students at the end of their internship experience and when all required documentation and course work has been finalized. Each year, students who successfully completed an internship the previous academic year will be celebrated at an Internship Signing Bonus Day event.

As part of its focus on creating immersive learning opportunities for its students, the University also recently announced the purchase of a 130,000 square foot property and 12 acres of land directly adjacent to its main campus, where it will establish a Research and Development Center. Private industries will be able to establish a physical presence on campus, providing direct access to students, research, and innovation in a manner that will inspire new opportunities and untapped synergies.

"With the emergence of AI, machine learning and automation, we are currently experiencing another paradigmatic shift along the lines of the agricultural, industrial, and technological revolutions," said President Frederiksen. "Through our commitment to practical, hands-on learning, we are uniquely positioned to help bridge the divide between academia and industry. Our focus is on preparing our students to excel in pursuing lucrative and fulfilling careers and equipping them with the skills, experience, and confidence to lead in the rapidly evolving economic landscape."