GREATER LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Greater Lafayette Intern Experience returns this May, introducing college-aged interns to the opportunities and amenities available in Greater Lafayette while supporting the region’s long-term workforce development strategy.

Now in its second year, the program connects interns to the community through social events and networking as well as professional development opportunities. It is designed to enhance existing employer internship programs or serve as a turnkey solution for companies without one, offering interns a firsthand look at what life could be like if they choose to live and work in Greater Lafayette after graduation.

“Attracting and retaining young talent in Greater Lafayette means helping students see that they do not have to leave to find opportunity, innovation and a strong quality of life,” said Erin R. Easter, Mayor of the City of West Lafayette. “In West Lafayette, Purdue University, a growing innovation economy and a diverse, welcoming community create real pathways for graduates to build both a career and a life here. Programs like this are important because they make that connection early, which strengthens our workforce and supports the region’s long-term growth.”

The challenge is a familiar one for mid-sized Midwest cities. According to job platform Handshake, Midwest graduates send more than half their job applications to positions within the region, but the pull of larger markets is hard to compete with.

A 2024 analysis of 1.6 million graduates by commercial real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle found that 44% landed in the country's 10 largest metro areas, including New York City and Los Angeles. Among graduates of top 20 universities, that share jumped to 77%. For communities like Greater Lafayette, keeping young talent means making a case before they leave, ideally while they're still here.

“We know what Greater Lafayette is. The question is whether interns get enough time here to figure that out too. This program gives them that time," said Mikel Berger, president and CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce. "Last year, hundreds of interns came here from all over the world, and a lot of them left thinking differently about this place. That’s the whole idea.”

The program’s first year offered early proof of concept. In its inaugural year, the program brought in more than 300 interns representing 64 different universities and 40 local employers. It also contributed to the acceptance of multiple positions post-graduation and is expected to be even more successful this year.

The Greater Lafayette Intern Experience will kick off May 29 at Purdue University’s Ross Ade Stadium. Interns will enjoy food, football and connection with peers from across the region while they learn more about the community.

Other planned activities include a tour of downtown Lafayette, canoeing and kayaking on Wildcat Creek, a roundtable between interns and employers on what it takes to attract and keep young talent and a Lafayette Aviators game at Loeb Stadium.

“The Greater Lafayette Intern Experience reflects exactly the kind of forward-looking investment we believe in as a city,” said Tony Roswarski, Mayor of the City of Lafayette. “Programs like this help interns build connections with local employers, discover career pathways, and envision a life here beyond graduation. When students and young professionals spend meaningful time here, they begin to see what makes Greater Lafayette special — our vibrant historic downtown, the energy and innovation driven by higher education and industry and a community that offers both opportunity and quality of life. When young people choose to stay, they strengthen our workforce, support local businesses and contribute to a dynamic, growing community.”

The internship program is part of GLC’s broader strategy to strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline and attract talent. Through initiatives like the Career+ Ecosystem, Robotics in Manufacturing and Manufacturing Week, GLC exposes K–12 students to in-demand skills and careers long before they enter the workforce.

Employers looking to enhance their recruitment efforts can register to participate at tinyurl.com/GLInternReg26. The cost is $100 per intern.

Additional information is available at greaterlafayetteind.com/summer-intern-experience..

About Greater Lafayette Commerce

Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Greater Lafayette Commerce (GLC) has been the region’s premier chamber of commerce and economic development organization since 1927. By uniting business, education, government and civic partners, GLC drives growth, supports local enterprises and enhances the quality of life in Greater Lafayette. Learn more at greaterlafayettecommerce.com.

Media Contact

Shelby White

Public Relations & Communications Manager

Greater Lafayette Commerce

(765) 742-4044

swhite@greaterlafayettecommerce.com

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