Vision

The Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA) will be recognized nationally and globally as the leader in work-integrated learning and experiential education. We develop thought leaders in the field through peer mentorship, innovative programming, and quality research.

Mission

The Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA) elevates the field through a member-driven community of educators, employers, researchers, students, and partner agencies. As the leader in work-integrated learning, we provide opportunities for professional development while advocating for best practices in co-ops, internships, and other forms of experiential education.

Core Values

• Excellence: Strive for quality and innovation in program and resource delivery.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Value diversity and cultivate an inclusive environment.
• Community: Build relationships, celebrate achievements, and provide multiple opportunities for member engagement.
• Professional Development: Foster leadership development for the future of experiential education.
• Stewardship: Care for and manage the association with integrity, transparency, accountability, and thoughtful leadership.
• Collaboration: Develop strategic partnerships and best practices to advance the field.

CEIA’s revised vision, mission, and core values were adopted January, 2019.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

CEIA is cultivating an environment where members of all identities, beliefs, and backgrounds are included, supported and uplifted. To build a sustainable, inclusive environment for the association, the CEIA Board of Directors has strategically taken the following actions since January 2019:

• Added diversity & inclusion as a core value of the association, adopted a diversity & inclusion commitment statement in the association by-laws for board and committee member recruitment, and revised the business plan to prioritize implementing diversity, equity and inclusion across the organization.
• Created the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and added an Associate Board of Director position for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives to intentionally improve CEIA policies, practices, and membership engagement
• Distributed a survey to members and stakeholders inviting them to share their perspective on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in our profession.
• Published statements of support: CEIA – Standing Against Racism Statement and Statement: Verdict of Derek Chauvin being found guilty of all charges in the murder of George Floyd.
• Established and raised funds for the inaugural CEIA Diversity Fellowship.

 

Defining Our Work

Cooperative education (Co-op) is a structured method of combining classroom-based education with practical work experience. A cooperative education experience, commonly known as a “co-op”, provides academic credit for structured job experience. Co-op experiences are either full-time (40 hours per week) alternating periods (semester, quarter) of work and school or part-time (20 hours per week) combining work and school during the same time period. Co-op experiences are paid, supervised by a professional who has followed the same career path of the student and students complete more than one assignment (two or more) with progressive levels of responsibility.

Internship is an experience involving student’s working in their expected career field, either during a semester or over the summer. Internships may be paid or unpaid and may or may not carry academic credit. Internships are typically one-time experiences. Internships are typically connected to an academic program with course requirements designed and monitored by faculty. Internships generally have related learning outcomes and academic assignments required.

Work-Integrated learning (WIL) is an educational model within experiential learning that combines academic studies with practical, real-world experiences. This method allows students to apply theoretical classroom knowledge to a workplace or practice setting, enhancing their learning and preparing them for professional careers. WIL opportunities (including internships, co-op, apprenticeships, etc.) involve partnerships among academic institutions, host organizations/employers, and students, ensuring that learning objectives are met and providing industry exposure. By integrating work experiences with academic learning, WIL helps students develop essential skills, build professional networks, and enhance their employability. It is a way to bridge the gap between classroom education and the demands of the modern workplace. We emphasize experiences that provide students industry exposure that directly relate to their career goals, promote progressive skill development in the workplace, and compensate students appropriately.