Castleton University and Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region announced a new partnership with an eye toward enhancing internship and career opportunities and an increased focus on community engagement.
Kimberley Rupe, business development and community engagement manager of Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, will work alongside Castleton’s Pathway to Graduation team to engage Castleton students in a diverse range of opportunities, including job experiences, internships, and workplace readiness skill programming.
Rupe will also be tasked with providing support in developing and delivering community engagement activities that enhance the economic and social interactions between Castleton and its surrounding communities.
Kelley Beckwith, director of student success at Castleton, said working collaboratively to further engage students in the region’s business community is a triple win for students, the university, and local organizations.
“Castleton is delighted to partner with Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region. Strengthening experiential learning and workplace readiness is a main objective of Castleton’s newly-launched Pathway to Graduation initiative,” she said. “The timing of this collaboration complements Castleton’s goal to include a significant workplace learning component in at least 80% of majors … and Rutland area employers will benefit from the skills, creativity, and energy that students bring.”
CU’s Pathway to Graduation is a five year project designed to bolster student success and retention. The project is supported through a $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program.
