BGSU to join as state export program host school

BOWLING GREEN — Starting next semester, students from the University of Findlay and other colleges around the area will be provided export training at the Bowling Green State University's campus. Announced Friday, a partnership between BGSU and the Ohio Department of Development will allow the BGSU college of business to offer an export-focused class. Students in the class will be eligible for export-related internships at companies across the state beginning in May. Attending the conference in the Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center was BGSU President Rodney Rogers, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner and Ohio State Senator Theresa Gavarone. "We're very pleased that we have a university partner here in northwest Ohio," Mihalik, who also served as Findlay's 55th mayor, said. "Until today, there were two parts in the state that did not have direct involvement." The Ohio Export Internship Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Export Assistance and International Engagement, began in 2012 and is designed to help businesses overcome this challenge by matching them with motivated students. Prior to BGSU's sign-on, students have had to travel to other parts of the state and other partner universities for the Ohio Export Internship Program. "Beginning next semester, students will be able to take the export course right here. And the university will be able to recruit students from other universities. Students from Toledo, the University of Findlay or Tiffin University can come here," Mihalik said. Joining BGSU as an additional university partner is Ohio University in Athens. Four other universities are also a part of the Ohio Export Internship Program: Ohio State University, Cleveland State University, University of Dayton and Youngstown State University. "As a public university for the public good, BGSU is committed to supporting businesses, our communities and to help drive economic vitality," Rogers said. As part of the program, students take the course during the spring semester, which will lead them into an internship over the summer. Students can be enrolled in any college or university across the state, but must take the export-related coursework at any of the six involved universities. The Department of Development will reimburse companies for half of the intern's wages. "We are pleased to collaborate with the Ohio Department of Development to provide robust opportunities to our students and help move our region and Ohio forward," Rogers said. "Through this partnership, Bowling Green State University will meet Ohio's workforce needs and support the success of our students." Since the program's start, 411 students have helped 232 Ohio companies improve their export programs, Mihalik said. The program has led to 136 internships extended and 69 new full-time jobs. Students interested in joining the BGSU program can contact Zubair Mohamed, associate dean of the Schmidthorst College of Business, at zubairm@bgsu.edu For more information about the Ohio Export Internship Program, visit EIP.development.ohio.gov