5 minute read
Plugged Into Potential
UD Lerner Co-Op Program delivers early wins and eyes expansion
BY MINDA WATSON
A NEW COOPERATIVE EDUCATION 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. In just its first six months, the program filled 22 co-op roles — nearly half of which went to non-Delawareans.
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. Participating companies included WSFS Bank, CSC, The Siegfried Group, DuPont, Diamond Technologies, REACH Riverside, HOMEstretch, and M. Davis & Sons, with additional employers actively interviewing for upcoming cycles.
Scott Malfitano, chair of the Delaware Workforce Development Board, emphasized the program’s role in supporting retention of college-educated talent within the state. “We want to keep homegrown students here and help those from out of state see Delaware as a place to start and grow their careers,” he said. “This program helps build that bridge.”
Unlike a traditional 8- to 10-week internship, the Lerner co-op is designed for sustained impact. Students contribute over multiple months, allowing them to build relationships and deliver meaningful work, while employers can assign longer-term projects and reduce onboarding repetition.
Sara Spoltore, a hospitality business management major from UD’s Class of 2026, is gaining that experience firsthand in her co-op role as a facilities consultant and event planning co-op with DuPont.
“Through Lerner, I was introduced to events from the planner’s side,” Spoltore said. “At DuPont, I coordinate the venue — every event is different, and I learn something new from each one. This internship has given me something greater than a lecture ever could.”
She added that the co-op gives her a chance to apply classroom knowledge every day, especially in areas like marketing and event management.
“I’m so lucky that my role involves both event planning and marketing,” Spoltore said. “I’ll have tangible projects to show future employers, and the experience of working full time at a company like DuPont will benefit me greatly in my career.”
Jill Panté, director of the Lerner Career Services Center, sees the program as a key differentiator for both students and local companies.
“In today’s job market, students need more than short-term internships. This program gives them a competitive edge, and for many, it’s also a critical source of income,” she said. “At the same time, companies benefit from fresh perspectives, diverse ideas, and access to top-tier talent already invested in the region.”
Christina MacMillan, vice president of strategic development at M. Davis & Sons, said her company saw the co-op as a strategic opportunity.
“We were interested in the program to gain access to talent that could bring fresh perspectives to our business,” MacMillan said. “It’s a win-win. The student gains real-world experience and is better prepared to transition to a full-time role, while the employer benefits from a contributor who already has experience.”
M. Davis currently employs one Lerner student through the co-op program in its marketing department. The student assists with social media strategy, event planning, and learning how marketing touches many areas of the company, including recruitment and employee engagement.
“We have a small but mighty team, so having another person to help with events and give us fresh ideas has been exciting,” MacMillan added. “Their professionalism and preparedness have exceeded our expectations.”
To support students and companies alike, Lerner College added Brandon White as the program coordinator. White helps employers define roles, recruit candidates, and ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
“Students are excited to gain long-term experience, and employers are recognizing the benefit of working with someone who can contribute throughout the year,” said White. “It’s not truly day one when they start. They’ve already been preparing, and that makes them stronger contributors from the beginning.”
With growing demand and enthusiastic feedback from both sides, the co-op program is now planning to expand. Lerner College is actively seeking new employer partners to join the next phase.
Lerner College Dean Oliver Yao sees the program’s potential to drive long-term value.
“The Lerner Co-Op Program is a game-changer for both our students and the local business community. It strengthens the bond between academia and industry and drives innovation and growth within Delaware’s workforce.”
Minda Watson is the assistant director of Lerner Career Services at the University of Delaware. To learn how your company can benefit from the UD Lerner Co-Op Program, email Brandon White at brawhite@udel.edu.
