UNO Receives Grant to Develop Work-Integrated Learning Experiences

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has been awarded a $65,000 grant from the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), being trusted as a partner in the organization’s Expanding Quality Work-Integrated Learning (EQWIL) initiative.

The initiative, funded by Ascendium Education Group and BHEF’s Work-Integrated Learning Innovation Center, aims to pilot work-integrated learning (WIL) models, internships, and project-based learning as part of BHEF’s efforts to make WIL a postsecondary standard.

What’s new: Over the next two years, UNO will design short- duration, high-impact WIL models built for small and midsize employer partners. UNO and the 11 other chosen institutions will prioritize learners who have had limited access to career-connected experiences, and will partner with employers of 500 or fewer employees.

Why it matters: Data from BHEF shows that in 2023, an estimated 8.2 million students sought internships, but only 3.2 million positions were filled, leaving more than 4 million without valuable work experience. Piloting and implementing WIL for small and midsize job markets has the power to ensure more opportunities for learners and employers seeking talent.

Catch up quick: UNO joined BHEF as a member institution in September, connecting students to a national network that brings together higher education and business leaders to co-develop the pathways and programs that will help students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce.

What they’re saying:

• Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, UNO Chancellor: “UNO is incredibly honored to be a leader when it comes to high-quality workforce development and partnerships. It’s the hard work of campus faculty and staff who educate and prepare learners for meaningful real-world experiences that lead to successful careers. UNO does not take lightly the task of further developing community-campus partnerships in Omaha and beyond, and developing experiences that set up students, businesses, and our communities for success.”
• Jason Coleman, Ph.D., MSPH, Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives: “UNO is delighted to be trusted alongside just 11 other institutions to take on the important task of further developing powerful work experience and workforce education, to benefit learners and employers. We are excited to be part of building a stronger, more experienced workforce for our communities and communities across the nation.”

What’s next: Together, the 12 chosen EQWIL institutions aim to impact at least 1,200 learners and engage at least 36 employer partners.