{"id":810,"date":"2026-04-08T22:19:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T22:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test-uwsp-multi.pantheonsite.io\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/?page_id=810"},"modified":"2026-05-06T18:57:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T18:57:56","slug":"pointers-connect-internship-pci-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/current-students\/career-preparation\/pointers-connect-internship-pci-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Pointer&#8217;s Connect Internship (PCI) Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"uwsp-horizontal-cards white-solid blockspacetop blockspacebottom\"><div class=\"site-width\"><section class=\"hcard-container\" aria-label=\"Horizontal Card\"><div class=\"uwsp-horizontal-card-container\" aria-live=\"off\">\n<div class=\"uwsp-horiz-card-block\" id=\"hcard1777570001997537\"><div class=\"uwsp-horiz-card-individual split5050 hcard-imgright\"><div class=\"hcard-infocell\"><h5 class=\"hcard-microtitle\"><\/h5><h3 class=\"hcard-title\">Connecting Central WI Business to Diverse Talent<\/h3><h4 class=\"hcard-subtitle\"><\/h4><div class=\"hcard-content\">The <strong>Pointers Connect Internship (PCI) Program<\/strong> connects Central Wisconsin small businesses, government agencies,\u00a0and not-for-profits (501c3) to a pipeline of diverse talent. Participating organizations are reimbursed for providing paid internships to junior and senior first-generation students, nontraditional students, or students eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.<br><br><strong>Contact Information<\/strong><br><br><strong>Academic and Career Advising Center<\/strong><br>Library and Student Resource Center (SRC)<br>Academic Success Suite<br><br><strong>Phone: <\/strong>715-346-3226<br><strong>Email: <\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:ucolinternships@uwsp.edu\">ucolinternships@uwsp.edu<\/a><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"hcard-mediacell\"><div class=\"hcard-images hcard-oneimg\"><div class=\"hcard-image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/04\/prepare-for-career-card-image2.webp)\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"hslider-buttoncontainer\"><button class=\"hsliderBack horizontal-sliderbutton\" aria-label=\"previous slide\">\u276e<\/button><div class=\"single-card-nav\"><\/div><button class=\"hsliderForward horizontal-sliderbutton\" aria-label=\"next slide\">\u276f<\/button><\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PCI Program Facts for Employers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Benefits for Employers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Financial reimbursement of wages to help your organizations&#8217;s bottom line<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to a diverse pool of talent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotion of your position<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support from our office<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Pointers Connect Internship | For Employers\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VEQ8kOOhDow?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-accordion blockspacetop blockspacebottom\"><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"\"><div class=\"panelcontainer nofirst\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-create-block-uwsp-accordion-section\"><summary class=\"accordion-heading\">PCI Program Details<\/summary><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers can hire up to two interns per term for a maximum of six per year<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wage reimbursement for up to two interns\/semester, maximum $12\/hour, maximum 225 hours during a fall or spring term; maximum 375 hours during a summer term<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interns are paid a minimum of $10 per hour from your own payroll<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may offer more hours or higher pay, but we will only reimburse up to maximums listed above<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the student chooses to earn credit, they must receive approval from their academic department<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-create-block-uwsp-accordion-section\"><summary class=\"accordion-heading\">Getting Started<\/summary><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>New employers should contact the&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:ucolinternships@uwsp.edu\">PCI Coordinator<\/a>&nbsp;to discuss program eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All internships are posted on Handshake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/uwsp.joinhandshake.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">uwsp.joinhandshake.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose the &#8220;employer&#8221; account type and follow the instructions to set up your account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post your position on Handshake and notify the PCI Coordinator about the posting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The PCI Coordinator will review the position for acceptance into the PCI Program<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students can apply to you directly or through Handshake; just specify which documents you want them to send (resume, cover letter, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-create-block-uwsp-accordion-section\"><summary class=\"accordion-heading\">Process<\/summary><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Create an account on UWSP&#8217;s&nbsp;Handshake&nbsp;platform and post your position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Notify the PCI Coordinator that your positions are ready for review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. The PCI Coordinator reviews your position(s), approves them for the PCI Program and promotes them to students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Students apply directly to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. Review applications. Contact the PCI Coordinator to confirm applicants&#8217; eligibility&nbsp;<strong>before<\/strong>&nbsp;requesting an interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6. Interview students, and make internship offers to those you want to hire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>7. Notify the PCI Coordinator of your hire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>8. Send official documentation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete the Employer Contract<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have your intern complete the Student Contract<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return the two completed contracts to the PCI Coordinator<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>9. Start working together!  Employ and mentor your student internduring an internship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10. At the end of the internship:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete the employer survey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit a final pay stub to the PCI Coordinator for reimbursement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How We Reimburse You<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the student&#8217;s internship, complete the employer survey and send the PCI Coordinator the following documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A pay stub indicating intern&#8217;s name, employer&#8217;s name, total hours worked, and rate of pay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your W9 Form (first internship only)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-create-block-uwsp-accordion-section\"><summary class=\"accordion-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/summary><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How do I know if my organization is eligible to participate in the PCI Program?<\/strong><br><a href=\"mailto:ucolinternships@uwsp.edu\">Email the PCI Coordinator<\/a>&nbsp;to discuss your organization&#8217;s eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How do I know if a student is eligible?<\/strong><br>The PCI Coordinator will check students&#8217; eligibility. Just send the student&#8217;s name prior to an interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can I hire a student more than once?<\/strong><br>Each student is only eligible for one PCI Program experience. You may re-hire students outside of PCI funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How many internships do you sponsor each semester?<\/strong><br>We sponsor approximately&nbsp;50 internships per year<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are students required to earn credit for their internships?<\/strong><br>Students may participate in the program without earning credit. If a student chooses to earn credit, they must obtain approval from their academic department. Departments may have additional requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Questions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Please contact the PCI Coordinator:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:ucolinternships@uwsp.edu\">ucolinternships@uwsp.edu<\/a>&nbsp;or 715-346-3226.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PCI Program Facts for Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Program Facts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum of $10\/hour wages, higher at employer&#8217;s discretion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flexible scheduling &#8211; internships available fall, spring, and summer terms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optional academic credit (with your department&#8217;s approval)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students can only complete <strong>one<\/strong> PCI experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Pointers Connect Internship | Anna Menominee\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/16Cz-qQG8Us?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-accordion blockspacetop blockspacebottom\"><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"\"><div class=\"panelcontainer nofirst\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-create-block-uwsp-accordion-section\"><summary class=\"accordion-heading\">Eligibility Requirements<\/summary><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Students must meet all the following requirements to participate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are currently enrolled at UWSP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have junior or senior credit status (60+ credits earned)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are either a first-generation, non-traditional, or Pell-eligible student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-create-block-uwsp-accordion-section\"><summary class=\"accordion-heading\">Finding an Internship<\/summary><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Meet with a Career Coach to discuss what you&#8217;re looking for.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete your UWSP Handshake profile at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/uwsp.joinhandshake.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">uwsp.joinhandshake.com<\/a>&nbsp;and browse opportunities labeled&nbsp;<em>Pointers Connect Internship Program<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch your email for messages with links to PCI Program Internships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Questions \u2013 contact the PCI Coordinator (<a href=\"mailto:ucolinternships@uwsp.edu\">ucolinternships@uwsp.edu<\/a>&nbsp;or 715-346-3226)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-create-block-uwsp-accordion-section\"><summary class=\"accordion-heading\">After an Employer Offers You a PCI Internship<\/summary><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete a PCI contract.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have a great internship experience!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete the end of internship survey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meet with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/make-an-appointment\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"480\">Career Coach<\/a> for tips on how to add your experience to your resume.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PCI Program Facts for Employers Benefits for Employers PCI Program Facts for Students Program Facts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":0,"parent":460,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-810","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/810","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=810"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/810\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2573,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/810\/revisions\/2573"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/460"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/academic-and-career-advising-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=810"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}