Champlain College opens direct partnership channel for local employers

Local businesses in Burlington can now access a structured channel to hire Champlain College students for immediate project work, internships, and long-term co-ops. The college launched the Champlain Exchange to connect employers directly with students who begin working in their fields during their first year of study. This model differs from traditional university partnership programs by removing administrative layers and allowing companies to engage students as soon as they identify a need.

The college states that its Upside-Down Curriculum places students into their majors from day one. This approach means students are building technical skills and professional capabilities like communication and collaboration while still in their early academic years. The Champlain Exchange serves as the dedicated point of contact for businesses seeking this talent. Companies can reach the office via email at exchange@champlain.edu or by phone at (802) 860-8735. The office is located at 163 S. Willard Street in Burlington.

The partnership process follows five defined steps. First, employers contact the Exchange to outline their specific needs. The team then maps the company's challenges and goals to identify an appropriate partnership model. Next, the Exchange matches the business with students whose skills and availability align with the project requirements. The partnership then launches with support from the college staff. Finally, the team helps the business and students assess outcomes and refine the collaboration over time.

The Exchange offers five distinct partnership options. The first involves students working on actual business challenges as part of their coursework. Employers provide a project brief and attend periodic check-ins. Students deliver creative ideas and multiple solution approaches tailored to the organization. This timeline typically spans 14 to 16 weeks.

The second option is a standard internship. The college notes that its students are ready for professional work earlier than those at many other institutions, often after just one year. Internships last from three to six months or longer. Employers must provide structured professional experiences, mentorship, and fair compensation. In return, businesses gain motivated talent with proven skills and ongoing academic support.

The third option is a comprehensive co-op program. These extended work experiences allow students to rotate between work and study. The timeline is four to eight months per rotation, with the potential for multiple cycles. Employers provide meaningful projects with increasing responsibility and competitive compensation. This model creates a pipeline of talent who understand the company culture while maintaining strong academic connections.

The fourth option is a multi-semester partnership. This is designed for businesses or non-profits that need sustained attention on specific challenges. It provides a consistent talent pipeline and ongoing research and development support. In exchange, partners commit to project continuity and a collaborative mindset.

The fifth option focuses on recruitment. The Exchange helps businesses identify and develop relationships with specific students before they graduate. This allows companies to secure early access to talent and potential first-hire advantages. Employers must define clear roles and engage in student development to position themselves competitively.

The Champlain Exchange emphasizes that it is not a generic university program. It is described as a direct connection to students who are already performing work relevant to their industries. The college states that the program is designed so that business challenges become part of the curriculum, and graduates become a competitive advantage for hiring companies. The office remains available to answer questions and begin the matching process for any local organization.