Casino fees boost paid internships

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

About 2,500 college students will get paid internships and co-ops at Ohio businesses through a program funded by $11 million from state casino license fees.

The Ohio Board of Regents says the funding is going to 10 community colleges and 15 universities over the next two years. They will partner with 30 other post-secondary institutions, including 11 Ohio technical centers. The schools are required to match at least 100 percent of the money awarded with private funds.

Campuses will use it to create new or expand existing co-op and internship programs.

The grants are part of Gov. John Kasich’s workforce development strategy to better align higher education curricula with the skills that Ohio businesses need. Industry sectors include advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, energy and financial services.