Community Leader Internship Program Underway

Program Encourages Emerging Young Professionals to Consider Opportunities in the Ohio Valley

After a COVID-driven hiatus, the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) is pleased to announce the 2022 Community Leadership Internship Program (CLIP) has resumed.

CLIP is a youth retention and community leadership initiative of the Foundation that was established in 2013.

Designed for college students, CLIP will continue to showcase the merits of the Ohio Valley by pairing participants with paid internships, professional/personal development and networking opportunities.  The goal of the program is to change the mindset of upcoming college graduates and demonstrate possibilities do exist to “work here, live here and be here”.  The program is supported by several sponsors and partners with a common interest in promoting and enhancing the area’s attractiveness to emerging professionals.

CLIP is playing an important role in ongoing retention efforts in the areas served by CFOV.  Students applying to the program must reside in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Tyler or Wetzel counties in West Virginia or Belmont or Jefferson counties in Ohio but can attend a college or university outside of those areas.

Students are selected through a competitive application process, which includes an independent review committee comprised of area professionals, and then matched with a host site that reflects their academic or career interests.

“We are committed to the idea of creating an environment that supports the next generation, in all areas.  Seeing story after story about population loss, poor job prospects, limited growth opportunities and quality of life concerns has really driven the philanthropic sector, of which CFOV is a part, to do more to change the outcome,” shared Susie Nelson, executive director of CFOV.

“It is impossible to not be energized by the impact of this program.  While it will take some time to measure complete results, we already know CLIP is making a difference as we have story after story from alumni who report changed perceptions and enhanced understanding of what it means to be a contributing resident as a young professional.  Several alumni are successfully employed in their field of choice within the Ohio Valley. The current class is also very likely to have a new outlook after just the first week.”

The 2022 class of participants includes 14 students from communities throughout the valley.

Of those participating, 13 students are first-year program participants, and one student is returning for a second-year experience.  Students work Monday-Thursday at their host sites and spend each Friday at the CFOV office for personal and professional development programming and team building activities.  This program provides a collaborative way for employers, nonprofits, community partners and foundations to work collectively to strengthen the region’s future workforce.  This year’s program started June 6 and will conclude July 22.

2022 Community Leader Internship Program Participants: