A new internship program at Washington State University Tri-Cities (WSU-TC) was established to benefit Tri-Cities businesses, including those located in the Tri-Cities Research District. The WSU Tri-Cities Entrepreneurial Career Preparation & Internship Program, also known as Cougs INNOVATE, was made possible by a $10,000 donation from community leader Bob Ferguson in 2019. It is the first paid internship program to be administrated by the Office of Student Affairs.

“Hosted paid internship programs at WSU Tri-Cities are a great opportunity for local students and businesses,” said Chris Meiers, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. “By integrating internships to solve real-world problems with academic experience, students learn valuable skills while also being showcased to excellent future employment opportunities in the Tri-Cities,” he said. 

Through the program, selected students are matched with entrepreneurial employers, alumni or community constituents and provided with hands-on opportunities to lead, pitch and/or meet real organizational needs. Internships are customizable based on time required for project completion, students’ enrollment status, and funding available. The minimum time commitment is one academic semester, or 16 weeks. This program is open to all WSU-TC students regardless of academic year or field of study.

“With WSU Tri-Cities located in the heart of the Tri-Cities Research District and with our numerous partnerships with local industry, this internship program presents a variety of opportunities for our students to make their ideas for businesses and products a reality,” said Sandra Haynes, WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous gift made by Bob Ferguson, a well-known, long-time community leader and champion for higher education.”