Six business school students at the University of Vermont are starting full-time, paid roles this month as part of a new undergraduate co-op program, according to a community announcement.

The announcement from UVM’s Grossman business school explains that the program aims to add immersive, career-building learning experiences to students’ classroom studies. It is backed by $15 million from the Grossman Family Foundation.

Students in the program work full time for four to six months in roles aligned with their academic focus. Afterward, the goal is for them to complete their degrees with real-world skills and insights.

Unlike traditional internships, which typically last 8-12 weeks, co-op positions are longer-term, full-time and paid. The arrangement is meant to allow student to take on deeper responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to projects while employers evaluate talent, build pipelines and reduce recruitment costs.

UVM cited a figure from the National Association of Colleges and Employers that said 98.3% of surveyed employers hire co-op students for full-time roles.

The first cohort at UVM includes Grace Berry at Wayfair; Jordan Dawley at Beta Technologies; Domenic Denapoli at Gallagher Flynn & Company LLP; Lillian Girod and Zachary Neuman at National Life Group; and Michael Stockbridge at engageCFO.

“It’s a unique opportunity to step outside the typical classroom and build hands-on skills in the real world,” Neuman said in the announcement. “Being able to apply what I’ve learned in courses thus far to a longer-term, structured role was a significant draw. It’s an opportunity to fully immerse myself in a real professional environment in a way that a typical 10-week internship may not.”

Craig Ross, founder and CEO of engageCFO, praised the program.

“Students build skills, confidence and lasting relationships ― whether it’s mastering debits and credits, developing financial models or sharpening Excel expertise,” Ross said.

To date, the Grossman School of Business has conducted more than 130 employer conversations to cultivate relationships nationally and locally, align roles with curriculum and expand networks across major cities.

The new effort is the first undergraduate business co-op program in Vermont and joins a small but growing group of U.S. institutions offering structured, full-time career experiences while earning a degree. according to UVM. Nationally, about 60 colleges and universities have formal co-op programs, most concentrated in STEM fields.

The program runs two cycles annually: January-June and July-December. Employers interested in hosting co-op students can learn more at uvm.edu/business/grossman-co-op. Students can join a hybrid info session by viewing dates and times online.

This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.