Expanding MSU programs create more chances for student research and internships

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University is expanding its offerings to provide more opportunities for undergraduate research and internships.

Starting in 2023, the BRIDGES (Building Relationships that Intentionally Develop Generations of Excellent Scholars) Undergrad Research Program and the Workforce Scholars Initiative were launched, giving students the chance to participate in these programs.

MSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion collaborate to run BRIDGES, which aims to increase the involvement of minority and underserved undergraduate students in MSU’s research activities. This program offers students the chance to engage in meaningful paid work that will help prepare them for future career and graduate school opportunities.

The first cohort of BRIDGES students had the opportunity to conduct research and learn from mentors at nine different MSU research centers and institutes. The second cohort is expected to begin their research experiences in early 2024.

MSU’s Workforce Scholars Initiative enables students to remotely work for companies during the school year in a supervised environment. In the fall, a group of six students had the opportunity to work remotely for Seay, Seay and Litchfield Architects based in Montgomery, Alabama; Burns Dirt Construction based in Columbus; and Taylor Machine Works based in Louisville. To help the participants adjust to a professional setting, MSU provided an on-site program supervisor and professional development opportunities, ensuring that the students gained valuable internship experience while working for these companies.

Under the management of MSU’s Center for Cyber Education, the Workforce Scholars Initiative covers a portion of the intern’s salary during the first two years of the program. Employers interested in the program can contact workforcescholars@cce.msstate.edu or visit www.tinyurl.com/dm9j2h22 to register for an informational webinar.

BRIDGES and the Workforce Scholars Initiative further complement MSU’s existing undergraduate research opportunities and external internships and co-ops. To learn more about undergraduate research at MSU, visit www.urcd.msstate.edu. For more information on internship opportunities, visit www.career.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is prioritizing what matters most. Find out more at www.msstate.edu.