New MSU programs grow opportunities for student research, internships

A picture of a group of students standing together outside a building. — MSU’s 2023 BRIDGES cohort took part in undergraduate research opportunities this spring as part of an effort led by the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Division of Access, Opportunity and Success. (Photo by Clara Fuller)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—New programs at ��Ƶ are enhancing opportunities for undergraduate research and internship experiences.

In 2023, the second cohort of students participated in the BRIDGES (Building Relationships that Intentionally Develop Generations of Excellent Scholars) Undergrad Research Program and the first cohort participated in the Workforce Scholars Initiative.

Administered jointly by MSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development and the Division of Access, Opportunity and Success, BRIDGES aims to increase the participation of undergraduate minority and underserved students in MSU research activities. The program engages students in meaningful paid work that helps prepare them for career and graduate school opportunities.

BRIDGES students are able to work on research and learn from a mentor at different MSU research centers and institutes. The program has grown from 11 students working at five research centers in the 2022 cohort to an anticipated 35 students working at 12 centers in 2024.

A group of students pictured in a conference room — MSU students completed remote internships this fall as part of the new Workforce Scholars Initiative. (Submitted photo)

MSU’s Workforce Scholars Initiative allows students to work remotely for companies during the academic year in a supervised environment. This fall, a cohort of six students were able to work remotely for Montgomery, Alabama-based Seay, Seay and Litchfield Architects, Columbus-based Burns Dirt Construction and Louisville-based Taylor Machine Works. In order to help the participants adapt to a professional setting, MSU provided an on-site program supervisor and professional development opportunities as the students gained valuable internship experience working for the companies.

Managed by MSU’s Center for Cyber Education, the Workforce Scholars Initiative covers a portion of the intern’s salary during the first two years of the pilot program. Employers interested in the program may contact workforcescholars@cce.msstate.edu or visit to register for an informational webinar.

BRIDGES and the Workforce Scholars Initiative build on MSU’s robust opportunities for undergraduate research and external internships and co-ops. For more on undergraduate research at MSU, visit . For more on internship opportunities, visit .

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