INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Tuesday, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and Indiana INTERNnet announced the largest corporate commitment of paid internships for low-income Hoosier college students with Amazon. Supported by the state’s EARN Indiana work-study program, Amazon will create 100 paid internships opportunities with virtual customer service positions, allowing flexible work schedules and participation from students across the state.
“We are excited to partner with Amazon and other employers across our state to create more internship opportunities for Hoosier students,” said Teresa Lubbers, Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education. “Gaining relevant work experience during college is an essential step toward ensuring our students are prepared for success after graduation.”
“We know that students are eager to gain valuable work experience while juggling demanding school schedules,” said Dave Guggina, general manager of Customer Service at Amazon. “That’s why we’re excited to team up with Indiana’s top educational institutions to offer students across the state the flexibility to do both.”
Students are able to apply for the internships now through the Indiana INTERNnet website. Selected interns will earn valuable work experience as College Customer Experience Agents, creating their own work schedules up to 20 hours a week.
“Hundreds of students have found meaningful internships through Indiana INTERNnet and the EARN Indiana program,” said Janet Boston, Executive Director of Indiana INTERNnet. “We’re pleased that a global employer has stepped up to offer valuable internships to our students.”
To be eligible for the EARN program, college students must demonstrate financial need through their families’ expected contribution to their college education. Expected Family Contribution is calculated each year when students file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Eligibility requirements for the EARN Indiana program were recently expanded to include adult part-time students as well as students with less financial need than was previously required. The expected family contribution required to participate in the EARN Indiana program has increased from $7,500 or less to $24,808 or less. Together, these changes open the program to thousands more Hoosier college students. Students and employers interested in EARN Indiana can find more information on the website at www.in.gov/che/4505.htm.
