Framingham State, MassBay Launch Paid Veteran Internship Program

Framingham State University and MassBay Community College have launched a Veteran paid internship and workforce development pilot program they hope will eventually become a model for the state, according to a joint press release by the two Framingham based educational institutions. 

The fiscal year 2014 state budget included funding for the pilot program, which will provide eligible student veterans at the two schools with a stipend for internship experiences.  

The idea of providing funds to veterans for internship experiences came about during a meeting of the Framingham State University Veterans Club on campus. Coordinator of Veterans Services Kevin Fields and student veteran Nick Armstrong, who graduated from Framingham State earlier this year, then brought the idea to State Rep. Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston), who championed its inclusion in the FY14 state budget.  

“The student members of the Veterans Club at FSU made me aware that many were unable to participate in student internships because most internships are unpaid, forcing veterans, already more advanced in their careers than traditional college students, to decide between an internship that will further their career and work that is less career orientated but allows them to pay for living expenses,” Dykema said. “Finding jobs is one of the greatest challenges faced by our returning veterans. I'm hopeful that this new program will open up more career opportunities to those who have served our country.” 

Armstrong noted at the time that unpaid internships can be challenging for veterans, who are typically older than traditional students and have more personal expenses.  

“This internship program will provide veterans with much needed experience in their newly acquired career path, without saddling them or their families with the financial burden inherent in unpaid internships,” said Armstrong, who graduated with a degree in food and nutrition.  

To be eligible, the veteran must be a matriculated, degree-seeking student, participate in an interview with University staff to identify specific goals for the internship experience and apply for a position through the Office of Career Services and Employer Relations. 

“We are grateful to Representative Dykema and the legislators and administrators who made this program possible,” said Marie Hahs, Coordinator of Veterans’ Affairs at MassBay.

“At MassBay we dedicate ourselves to providing the academic support, career skills training, opportunities to transfer credits, personal counseling, and anything else our veteran students need to succeed. Providing opportunities for paid work experience they will receive from this program will significantly strengthen their chances to obtain the careers they came here to pursue," said Hahs.