The Office of Strategic Partnerships is dedicated to empowering every student at USG through experiential learning, mentorship, and equitable access to scholarships by fostering strong, collaborative partnerships between academia, employers, community partners, and donors. We are committed to:
- Building stronger connections between education and industry to align students with the evolving talent needs of our region;
- Connecting students with regional employers for career success;
- Removing financial barriers to education;
- Supporting the regional economic development ecosystem through strategic partnerships and talent development.
Making Partnerships Work For:
The Office of Strategic Partnerships actively bridges the gap between students and the professional world, ensuring they have the connections and tools needed to succeed after graduation. We link students to our USG Mentoring Program offering a flexible menu of mentoring experiences that is tailored to fit the student's needs. In addition, we connect students to job search coaching services, where they can explore job opportunities aligned with their interests and studies and gain the extra skills needed to begin their career journey. Through these coordinated efforts, we help students build meaningful networks, gain practical experience, and confidently step into the workforce.
The Strategic Partnership Office works in close collaboration with our nine academic partners to strengthen shared initiatives, expand opportunities, and align programs with regional needs. A core focus is expanding experiential learning opportunities – such as internships, co-ops, applied research, and community-based projects – that connect students with real-world challenges and employers. We help partners attract and retain students, enhance curriculum relevance, and prepare graduates for in-demand careers. Our team also facilitates connections with industry leaders and community organizations, ensuring that academic offerings remain responsive to the evolving talent and workforce requirements of our region.
Discover ways to Partner with USG
Partnerships with the community can create powerful opportunities for students. USG’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs can help your business thrive. The Office of Strategic Partnerships works with businesses, non-profits, and local governments to build their talent pipeline through job postings, on-campus events, internships and mentoring, and connecting to industry advisory hubs. Students at USG live and work in this community. Investing in this future workforce results in employee retention and enhanced productivity.
Discover ways to Give to USG
The Office of Strategic Partnerships works with businesses and individuals to provide educational pathways for high potential, under-resourced students. Invest in the future of students, our region and your workforce by supporting scholarships, corporate partnership, and sponsorship opportunities at USG.