Issue 11.42

October 24, 2025

PLUGGED INTO POTENTIAL

UD LERNER CO-OP PROGRAM DELIVERS EARLY WINS

AND EYES EXPANSION

A new cooperative program at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics is already delivering strong results for Delaware employers. The UD Lerner Co-Op Program, which launched in early 2025, has placed undergraduate business students in extended, hands-on work experiences with 16 companies across the state in its pilot year.

Funded by the Delaware Workforce Development Board and the Delaware Department of Labor, the program enables rising juniors and seniors to work full-time over the summer and part-time during the academic year, all while completing their business degrees. For employers, the co-op provides early access to motivated, high-potential talent, and a chance to shape that talent within their workplace culture. Read more >

FAST FACT: In just its first six months, the UD Lerner Co-Op Program filled 22 co-op roles, and nearly half of those roles went to non-Delawareans. Learn more about the program >

CO-OP VS INTERNSHIPS: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

INTERNSHIP

Part time or full time, lasting around 10 to 12 weeks in summer, fall, or spring semesters

Can either be paid or unpaid, with many offering college credit

The search typically falls more on the student, but a school's career center and alumni network can help provide tips or introductions

CO-OP

Consists of ongoing work experiences and range from 3-12 months of full-time work

Traditionally most students are compensated

Typically facilitated by colleges and universities with formal co-op programs to partner with certain employers

Source: US News & World Report

EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES TO KEEP PACE

The speed and scale of innovation today require U.S. workers across industries to continually adapt in order to remain competitive, maximize their earning potential, and pursue fulfilling careers. Amazon is committed to helping their employees access educational and skills training opportunities they can use to grow their careers. More than 425,000 Amazon employees in the U.S. have participated in our free skills training programs since 2019 — programs designed and updated based on employee feedback to help members of our workforce advance their careers. Read more >

CELEBRATING VALUE

AND TALENT

Each October for the past 80 years, The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI) has celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month, honoring the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and highlighting the importance of inclusive workplace policies and practices that benefit both employees and employers. Founded in 2016, TPI is a national company based in Delaware that delivers industry-leading administrative and technology services to its customers. At the core of TPI’s mission is building high-performance teams that include individuals with neurodiversities. Read more >

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Our membership survey is out and we need your input, please. As a member-driven organization with the most diverse membership in the state, this annual survey is vital to our work. From small startups and family-owned businesses to global corporations and nonprofits, our members represent every corner of Delaware’s business community. Because of that, getting a pulse on what our membership needs each year is key.

This short, eight-minute questionnaire helps inform the work we’ll be doing for the next year or longer. The information collected directs our policy priorities and the work of the Delaware State Chamber Foundation as we dive deeper into pragmatic ideas and solutions to address your concerns. Read more >