We invite you to submit an application of interest for potential inclusion in NIU’s upcoming IBHE Illinois Cooperative Work Study (ICWS) Grant Application. Though we do not yet have the grant details for the next academic year (August 2023-August 2024) we know the application we submit to the state always has a tight turnaround time, and so we’re looking to collect details on potential interest to help facilitate our formal application process and to provide broader access to organizations interested in being considered as a part of the grant.
To share some additional background, the IBHE ICWS Grant is designed to provide opportunities for Illinois-resident undergraduate students to gain work experience within local Illinois businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations.
As taken from last year’s IBHE ICWS application materials:
The foremost objective of IBHE and the ICWS grant is to make postsecondary credentials for Illinois students attainable and affordable based on principles of the IBHE’s Strategic Planning Initiative entitled: A Thriving Illinois: Higher Education Paths to Equity, Sustainability, and Growth. The 25 strategies outlined in this plan are designed to accomplish three goals:
- Equity: Close equity gaps for students who have historically been left behind.
- Sustainability: Build a stronger financial future for individuals and institutions.
- Growth: Increase talent and innovation to drive economic growth.
Grants shall be made for projects that support Illinois resident undergraduate students. The IBHE Program Objectives are to:
- Expand opportunities for students to pursue internships, clinical placement, cooperative programs with business and industry, and other work opportunities linked to a student’s academic program, with a particular emphasis on students who have historically been underrepresented in higher education;
- Strengthen cooperation between higher education, business, industry, and government;
- Encourage social and community service;
- Promote equitable outcomes for all students;
- Provide a diverse, inclusive environment;
- Maximize the use of matching contributions from business and industry and governmental and social agencies;
- Create new opportunities for public/private partnerships;
- Integrate other components of student financial aid to reduce reliance on student loans; and
- Encourage students to seek permanent employment in Illinois.
Please express your interest in consideration for this grant by completing the Qualtrics form here.
As noted in the Qualtrics form, each employer selected for participation in NIU’s final grant application will need to provide a letter of interest that we must submit to the IBHE, and we will be utilizing this letter as a part of our selection process.
The employer letters must be on the employer’s letterhead and clearly outline the employer’s commitment by including each of the following:
- how the work opportunity is linked to an academic program;
- the number of positions available;
- the length of the internship (weeks, hours, etc.)
- the total wage to be paid to the student; and
- the employer’s share or percentage of the total wage; and
- if there is a possibility of permanent employment after the internship ends.
To aid in that process, you can request a template letter to use for your organization’s information. Contact aschatteman@niu.edu to request the template and then to submit your letter once you complete the online form.
