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A new initiative that pairs Framingham State students with business leaders from the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce recently caught the attention of Gov. Deval Patrick.
The MetroWest Chamber College Initiative Program launched in January is designed to engage students as future business leaders by creating a process where students can become full-fledged members of the Chamber.
Gov. Patrick recently invited chamber members and students involved with the initiative to the State House to spotlight the program.
“I congratulate the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, Framingham State University and participating students on an initiative that unlocks the promise of the next generation of business leaders and highlights the advantages of staying and doing business in Massachusetts,” Patrick said.
Students are selected for the program based upon academic standing, entrepreneurial skills and an interest in developing their business acumen and contacts. Each student is sponsored by one member of the chamber, who pays two thirds of the cost of their membership, while Framingham State pays the remainder. The Chamber has also funded scholarships through its Educational Foundation to enable the students to more fully participate in the many educational and networking opportunities the Chamber provides.
“The students are coached by volunteer mentors to develop strong connections within the business community,” said Jim Giammarinaro, vice chair of membership for the Chamber. “The coaches assist their students in locating jobs within the region, developing the student’s ‘soft skills’ and providing experiential learning to augment the student’s classroom work.”
Highlights of the program to date include on-site “Career Development Days” at Commonwealth Creative and Bose Corporation, networking events and internship opportunities at local companies which have enabled students to utilize their skills developing Web sites, managing social media and overseeing outreach and brand promotion.
