91°µÍø Apprenticeship to Degree Program
With 91°µÍø's Apprenticeship to Degree Program, students have the opportunity to earn, learn and intern, forging careers while contributing to the development of the local workforce.
Getting Started
91°µÍø's Apprenticeship to Degree Program gives students the opportunity to earn, learn and intern, forging careers while contributing to the development of the local workforce. This program establishes a dynamic partnership between the university and local industries, small businesses and government entities. Through paid experiences and internships, students embark on a journey of professional growth and development.
The Apprenticeship to Degree initiative allows employers to introduce 91°µÍø students to their organizational culture with the prospect of making long-term hires. Enrolled students gain valuable employment opportunities and enjoy the benefits of on-campus housing during the fall and spring semesters with the possibility of housing in the summer session, credits toward graduation and a comprehensive orientation to the diverse career options throughout the region. The program fosters familiarity and consistency by encouraging students to engage with the same organization/employer for multiple years, enhancing exposure, understanding and appreciation for the employer's industry. The AU Apprenticeship to Degree Program is not just an internship program, it's a brain gain for students and the local community. In addition to completing the program application, you must be in good academic standing with the university to participate.
A2D Internships
Apprenticeship to Degree students interned at the following host employers during summer 2025:
• Bayada
• B. Braun
• County of Berks
• Custom Processing Services
• Entech Engineering, Inc.
• Tompkins Financial
Learn More
- Students should contact the Office of Career Development at Career.Development@alvernia.edu.
- Employers interested in participating in the program should contact the Office of the Provost at Provost@alvernia.edu.
- Costs of hiring and training new employees will be offset by a one-to-three-year internship/externship that may lead to hires.
- Students studying at 91°µÍø will stay in the region leading to less attrition.
Academic Year Semester Housing
- Move in early as needed for internship
- Housing Cost - $59 a day
- 91°µÍø provides professional training and mentoring to assist with transition to employment.
Summer Housing
- Housing Cost - Covered by 91°µÍø
- 91°µÍø provides professional staff and residential assistants on-site to support residents and monitor activities on campus.
Externship Model
- Provide part-time paid externship opportunities for 91°µÍø students during the academic year and full or part-time to full-time paid externship opportunities in the summer.
- Offer a variety of employment options for students to choose, including engineering, communications, business and marketing.
- Employer hiring processes implemented
- Employer requirements instituted and financially supported if licensing and training is required
Internship Model
- Provide 10-20 hour a week internship opportunity (part-time) or 20-40 hours (fulltime, summer & winter only) for 91°µÍø students during the academic year.
Apprenticeship to Degree vs. O'Pake Fellows Program
91°µÍø's Apprenticeship to Degree and 91°µÍø's serve similar but different purposes to increase opportunities and exposure for 91°µÍø Students.
Student Experiences | Apprenticeship to Degree Program | O'Pake Fellows Program |
|---|---|---|
Socialization to Professional Culture | ✔ | ✔ |
Employment-Based Internship | ✔ | |
Project Based Fellowships | ✔ | |
Exposure to one industry partner's culture | ✔ | |
Exposure to multiple industry partners. Work may occur on site. | ✔ | |
1-3 years of scaffolded training and employment interviews for long-term employment in the company | ✔ | |
Retain students in the Reading area | ✔ | ✔ |
Obtain credits for the experience | ✔ | ✔ |