Cronin Career Scholars Program

Launched in January, the Cronin Career Scholars Program stands as the first paid internship program of its kind at UC Clermont. It partners with both on-campus and community organizations to create tailored internship opportunities for students. By working part-time, students gain professional skills and apply their academic knowledge in practical settings. This initiative is part of UC Clermont’s commitment to providing students with meaningful career preparation.

Read more about the Cronin Career Scholars program.

UC invented cooperative education in 1906 and is ranked the No. 1 public university for co-ops and internships by U.S. News and World Report. Co-op experience was traditionally limited to students in engineering, architecture, information technology and business, but in the last decade, the university has expanded the program to include all UC students, an endeavor dubbed “co-op 2.0."

• Paid Internships: Students receive competitive wages, eliminating the need for additional part-time jobs.
• Flexible Schedules: Internships are designed to accommodate students’ availability, including remote and weekend work options.
• Diverse Partnerships: Collaborates with local businesses, non-profits, and institutions like Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center.
• Real-World Experience: Provides hands-on learning that enhances resumes and career readiness.
• Innovative Approach: Combines UC’s co-op tradition with UC Clermont’s personalized educational model.

When Milford native Luke Ustick graduated from high school, he didn’t see higher education in his future. Instead, he planned to pursue a trade, and tried different types of work — in siding, windows, landscaping and concrete — for three years, searching for his path.

“With everything, I always wanted more,” Ustick said.

Today, he's served as a pre-fellow in Cincinnati Children's cardiac lab and is preparing to start medical school--thanks in part to the Cronin Career Scholars program.

Read Luke's story.

After leaving college and working retail for several years, Nathan Gorman wanted to find his permanent career path — and took the next step at UC Clermont.

“I had always enjoyed working with computers and had a deep love for movies and television; for how things can be expressed through moving images,” said Gorman, who chose the college's digital media program. “I was fascinated by it and wanted to know how to do it myself. I thought, ‘let’s give this a shot.’”

The Cronin Career Scholars program helped Gorman secure internships in his field to gain hands-on experience and finally bring his future into focus.

Read Nathan's story.

The Cronin Career Scholars Program addresses significant challenges faced by UC Clermont students, such as the financial barriers of unpaid internships. By offering paid opportunities and flexible schedules, the program ensures that students can gain essential experience without compromising their financial stability.

The program is funded by Dennis Cronin, a UC alumnus and local architect who has long supported the cooperative education model. Cronin's commitment to enhancing student opportunities reflects his own experiences with co-ops and his deep connection to UC Clermont.

With the Cronin Career Scholars Program, UC Clermont students are not just preparing for their future careers — they are shaping them. Discover how this initiative is making a difference and learn more about how it can benefit you. For more information about the Cronin Career Scholars Program or to get involved, please contact Dana Parker in the Career Services Center.