Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an educational plan designed to integrate classroom study with planned, supervised, and evaluated work experience that links the academic program with students' career goals and interests. It offers undergraduate and graduate students a unique opportunity to combine career, social, and personal growth with the educational process. 

The Cooperative Education work experience may be full- or part-time, on- or off-campus, and paid or unpaid. Central's program uses the terms "cooperative education" and "internship" almost interchangeably. We strongly prefer paid positions for all our students. However, many social service and nonprofit agencies are unable to provide compensation. Other employers and experiences in certain fields require license or certification before wages can be paid.

Fair Labor Standards Act Guidelines for Unpaid Internships in the For-Profit Sector
CWU Policies for Cooperative Education

Supervisors of unpaid internships on CWU campuses, please watch this video. Recommended for anyone participating in the academic internship process. 

Required Sexual Harassment Training

Related Forms

Cooperative Education Internship Process
Cooperative Education & Internship Progress Report