Taft Highlights Successes of Third Frontier Internship Program
CANTON, OHIO (August 15, 2006) - Governor Bob Taft today highlighted the successes of the Third Frontier Internship Program at Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems in Canton. The company, a leading supplier of truck and tractor suspensions and axle systems, has had 13 Third Frontier interns since the program began.
"The Third Frontier Internship Program is good for students, good for companies, and good for Ohio, and it's helping to prepare the next generation of Ohio's workers and entrepreneurs," said Taft. "Hendrickson is a great example of the dynamic companies that are creating good jobs in our state, and a company that has already identified the benefits of creating meaningful internships for talented Ohio college students."
The Third Frontier Internship Program, launched in 2003 by Taft and administered by the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), aims to enhance Ohio's ability to retain highly skilled workers and foster innovative businesses. The program is intended to develop a pool of talented workers for Ohio businesses, create exciting student work experiences, enrich the students' educational experience and expose educators to the strategies and processes of today's business environment. As Ohio transitions to a knowledge economy, the program is expected to help keep Ohio's graduates in the state by offering good jobs and an avenue to a better quality of life.
Since 2003, ODOD has awarded more than $8.5 million to 17 organizations around the state, which then disburse the funds to area companies wanting to hire interns. To date, the Third Frontier Internship Program has helped more than 2,800 interns from 54 four-year public and private colleges and universities and 15 public and private community and technical colleges. An additional $2.5 million was made available beginning July 1 for up to 700 more interns.
Taft was joined at today's event by Hendrickson Trailer Division General Manager Gary Gerstenslager, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Dennis Saunier and The Employment Source Director Alice Stephens. Three of the company's Third Frontier interns also spoke at the ceremony: Don Hester and Chris Smith, both Akron University students, and Adrian Grapenthin from the University of Toledo.
Hendrickson has received more than $19,600 in Third Frontier Internship funds through The Employment Source, which received Third Frontier Internship funds to disburse to companies and organizations across the state.
Through the Third Frontier Internship Program, companies receive up to $3,000 per student per year to defray 50 percent of the student's wage costs during the internship. Participating students must be Ohio residents of at least 18 years of age and in good standing at a college or university in an approved high-tech curriculum containing mathematics, science and engineering.
Students wishing to apply for an internship can inquire for an application through their college or university or by visiting www.ohio3fip.com. Businesses wishing to enroll in the Third Frontier Internship Program may contact Cindy Bunfill, ODOD, at (614) 752-2492 or visit the website for more information.
