In today’s fast-paced global marketplace, the competition for highly skilled talent continues to grow. So, too, does the need for innovative solutions that support companies with qualified talent. This search for a competitive edge increasingly points to one strong yet obvious solution: building robust partnerships with universities that not only educate but also actively prepare tomorrow’s workforce.
At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park in Daytona Beach, Florida, this opportunity for partnership is more than a vision; it is an operational reality.
Having spent decades cultivating programs that bridge the gap between academia and the aviation and aerospace industries, Embry-Riddle understands the challenges facing today’s employers. This includes the need to both attract and retain skilled employees, foster ongoing professional development and continually innovate to meet evolving market demands.
At Embry-Riddle, we actively seek solutions that benefit our Research Park employers and employees to ensure that companies can access and help to prepare and, in many cases, retain the next generation of leaders, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs.
One powerful example is our commitment to supporting students who intern with our partner companies. Funded by local Volusia County community and philanthropic leaders Cici and Hyatt Brown, participating student interns are eligible for stipends of up to $5,000. This commitment not only ensures companies have access to enthusiastic and highly capable interns, but also makes these experiences accessible to a diverse cohort of students who may otherwise face financial barriers. The result is a strong talent pool with the full spectrum of skills and perspectives necessary for innovation.
The opportunity for financial support extends well beyond undergraduate experiences. Recognizing that learning does not end at graduation, the Research Park also offers graduate scholarships of up to $10,000 in employer-matched funds for alumni employed by Research Park-based companies.
Such programs reinforce the value of continuous professional development and signal to employees that their growth will be supported throughout their careers.
Additionally, scholarship programs are available to undergraduate students in fields aligned with local industry needs, guaranteeing a steady supply of graduates who are ready to enter the workforce and provide immediate value.
As the workforce and workplace continue to evolve, the case for deep, sustained partnerships between business and academia continues to strengthen. Embry-Riddle’s Research Park stands as a model for what is possible when universities and companies work hand-in-hand: a future where innovation is accelerated, talent pipelines are reinforced, and students, businesses and communities alike reap the rewards.
For companies seeking a proven path to growth and resilience, now is the time to engage with academic partners. The opportunities are there; the infrastructure is ready. The only question is, who will seize them first?
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University
embryriddle.edu
Office of Corporate Engagement
Rodney Cruise, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President
386.226.7303 | corporate.engagement@erau.edu