Cooperative Education ("Co-op")

 www.cpcc.edu/cooperative_education

Click "Students"

Linda Moorer, linda.moorer@cpcc.edu, 704-330-4200 x7280

Co-op is a class that you take in order to gain class credit and practical work experience in your program of study. Instead of attending class in a traditional classroom, you learn valuable skills at an employer’s worksite, putting theory into practice. You are supported by a Faculty Coordinator (typically an instructor whom you have had for class) and mentored by an on-the-job supervisor at the employer worksite. Each semester, CPCC partners with numerous businesses and non-profit organizations, who understand the value of Co-op and are eager to work with students.
 

• Co-op is an academic class that is built into specific programs as either an elective or requirement.  

• Students must meet eligibility requirements for co-op as designated by their program (see co-op coordinator for their program).
   
• Since co-op is a class, students register, pay and get a grade for the class. 
   
• Students interview for co-op positions just like any other job interview.

• Students need to submit a resume, complete the co-op application, meet the eligibility requirements, and have their faculty coordinator sign off on their co-op application.

• Students earn 1 or 2 credits for co-op depending on how many credits are built into their program.

• During the spring or fall semesters, students work either 10 or 20 hours a week to earn credit.

• During the summer, students work either 20 or 40 hours a week to earn credit.

• When Co-op is an elective, we will try our hardest to find a student a position. 

• The earlier the better for submitting paperwork. 

• It’s recommended that students submit paperwork for the spring semester by October 1^st and for the summer by April 1^st and July 1^st for the fall semester for optimum opportunities.