Career Scholars Program: Columbus

Receive a generous scholarship package, and work at a job in your field for college credit during your senior year while living in Columbus, Neb.
Apply by Feb. 1, 2024, for the 2024-25 school year.

How to Apply Program Overview

Reimagining cooperative education

Cooperative education is a method of combining classroom education with real work experience for college credit. At its core, the Columbus cohort of Career Scholars Program supports workforce and economic development in Nebraska. To participate, you must be passionate about earning a degree in one of the eligible fields, and you must be committed to remain in the Columbus region. Throughout the program, you'll participate in career readiness activities. During your senior year, you'll live in the Columbus area with your peers. This living experience will help you socially connect with the community and gain an appreciation for the many exciting social and cultural opportunities available in the city of Columbus. Upon graduation, the goal is for you to be hired into full-time positions in Nebraska.

Cooperative education program benefits:

Receive a scholarship ranging from $2,500 up to $15,000 per year to cover tuition and housing
Earn college credit while getting paid to work during your senior year
Gain real-world experience in your career field
Network with businesses to find and secure meaningful employment after graduation
Practice skills learned in class
Develop relationships with like-minded students in a community living environment
Discover your place after college and grow into a vibrant community

Program details

Eligible fields of study:

Business Administration

Accounting (B.S.)
Agribusiness (B.S.)
Economics (B.S.)
Finance (B.A. or B.S.)
Human Resource Management (B.A. or B.S.)
International Business (B.A. or B.S.)
Management B.A. or B.S.)
Marketing (B.A. or B.S.)
Office Administration (B.S.)
Public Accounting (B.A. or B.S.)
Supply Chain Management (B.S.)

Computer Information Systems

Computer Science

Computer Science (B.S.)

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice (B.A. or B.S.)

Education

Select education programs are eligible by approval. Please contact Dr. Michael Keibler at [email protected] for details.

Industrial Technology

Mass Communication

Agricultural Communication and Leadership (B.A.)
Electronic Media (B.A. or B.S.)
Journalism (B.A. or B.S.)

Speech Communication

Organizational Leadership and Public Relations (B.A. or B.S.)

What you'll experience and learn

Your journey as a cooperative education student begins your freshman year at Wayne State College. During your time here, you’ll participate in career readiness activities, including business site visits and job shadowing, all while learning the fundamentals of professional practice. After three years on campus at Wayne State, you’ll complete your senior year while living in Columbus, Nebraska, where you’ll be hired and mentored by one of our participating business cohorts. You’ll earn 18 credit hours while working 30-40 hours per week at a paid job using skills relevant to your degree.

"I have always enjoyed the energizing force that interns and recent graduates bring to my company. Their enthusiasm, desire to learn and openness to new ideas are both contagious and challenging. I am grateful to be a part of the Wayne State College's Cooperative Education Program as we develop relationships with career-ready students to improve our business and our community."

Scott Mueller

Owner - Samson, LLC.
Columbus, Neb.

Career Scholars Program: Columbus

Reimagining cooperative education

Eligible fields of study:

What you'll experience and learn

Freshman year

Sophomore year

Junior year

Senior year

Questions? Contact:

Student Information

Employer Information