Per NIU Press Release:
June 15, 2020 — The Northern Illinois University College of Business and DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) are accepting proposals for IGNITE!, a joint program providing a structure and funding for DCEDC member companies, northern Illinois start-ups and non-profits to connect with and employ NIU Business students part-time. The initial employment period will be the fall 2020 semester with the possibility of extending to the spring 2021 semester.
Successful proposals will define part-time (no more than 20 hours per week) positions. Positions must include clear goals, defined professional responsibilities, projects and developmental opportunities, and general expectations. Proposals must also describe the work environment and safety precautions that will be taken to prevent COVID-19 exposure. Proposals should be submitted online at go.niu.edu/ignite by July 15, 2020.
After the deadline, a committee will choose five proposals from DCEDC members companies, local start-ups for funding. Selected organizations will assist in promoting their opportunity to students virtually through information sessions and the NIU job board in August 2020. The selected organizations will be responsible for interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training and managing the student. The initial period of employment is August 24, 2020 – December 15, 2020. Students will be paid $10 per hour. Of that, the NIU College of Business will subsidize $9.25 per hour with employers covering the remaining $0.75 per hour.
The NIU College of Business has over 2,000 undergraduate students studying Accountancy, Business Administration, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Operations Management & Information Systems. Over seventy-five percent of NIU Business students live in DeKalb County during the school year and nearly sixty percent work anywhere from one to 40 hours a week. Many of these students are eager to find part-time jobs that will contribute significanlty to their professional growth.
Past ignite partners include Kishwaukee College, LiteracyPlanet, The Egyptian Theatre, Production Cutting Services, The Illinois Business Innovation Association, OC Creative, DeKalb Park District, Auto Meter, Nenni and Associates and the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation.
Guest DJ – Amy Buhrow, Senior Director of Strategy, Student Success & Accreditation, and Jason Gorham, Director of Business Consulting, discuss IGNITE!, the ELC and Business in Action programs
Further Resources:
To submit an IGNITE! proposal – go.niu.edu/ignite
For information on IGNITE!, the Experiential Learning Center and Business in Action – www.cob.niu.edu/experiences
For questions on IGNITE!, contact Amy Buhrow, abuhrow@niu.edu
For questions on the Experiential Learning Center and Business in Action consulting services – contact Jason Gorham jgorham@niu.edu
