Co-op Students Apply Theory to Real-World Challenges

Science and engineering college students are getting the opportunity to test new high-tech tools and apply classroom studies to real work challenges compliments of the USA Co-op Program. In a continued effort to support higher education USA is providing a place for these scholars to test their course work knowledge while making a contribution to the company and getting paid for it.

Students are employed by USA in Alabama, Florida and Texas through the Cooperative Education Program – better known as the Co-op Program. Alternating between attending classes one semester and working for USA the next, the students are assigned to special projects while supervised by managers or others in a department who also serve as mentors.

“The Co-op Program has been an outstanding opportunity for both the company and the students,” said James Johnson, USA’s Staffing Services Process Owner.

“This program provides skilled, short-term team members, allowing management a cost-effective way to evaluate potential full-time employees,” he said. “The students, in turn, have an opportunity to put classroom theory into practice.”

“When our Co-ops return to school, many find their academic class work is easier to comprehend,” said Cindy Bailey, USA’s Co-op Program Coordinator in Texas.

One such student is Marvin Barnes, a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering at the University of Alabama (UAB) at Huntsville.

“I’m being allowed to work on some exciting projects that will have a direct impact on the space program,” Barnes said. “For me, USA’s Co-op Program is great.”

Barnes is currently assigned to USA’s Materials and Process Productivity Enhancement Department at the Marshall Space Flight Center. One leading edge project that he has worked on is a laser gauge.

“It’s been fun working on this new tool,” Barnes said. “The laser gauge will be used to measure corrosion on the Solid Rocket Booster’s aft skirt. I’ve been testing the laser tool and writing reports on its capabilities.

“You don’t often have this kind of opportunity when you’re from a small town like Aliceville, Ala.”

This kind of hands-on work is also being made available to 120 students at various USA locations.

“The Co-op Program has given me a lot of opportunities to apply what I’ve been learning in the classroom,” said Shanna Logsdon, a senior majoring in Engineering Technology at the University of Central Florida (UCF).

Logsdon has been helping review modifications to low voltage electrical systems associated with the Crawler Transporters.

“The practical experience here at KSC is helping me be more successful at UCF,” Logsdon said.

For Jim Conover, that experience includes learning from the people around him.

“Working at USA’s corporate headquarters in Houston has given me the advantage of learning from members of the company’s leadership,” said Conover, a UCF senior majoring in Management Information Systems. “That’s something you just can’t get in school.”

University of Florida student Michael Duffy agrees.

“Working in the space program is a unique experience,” said Duffy, a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering. “I’ve recommended the Co-op Program to several of my friends at UF.”

To find program participants, USA has entered into a partnership with 14 colleges and universities nationwide that emphasize science and engineering disciplines the company needs in aspiring new employees.

“We visit these schools quarterly, and we’re introduced to prospective Co-op employees,” Johnson said. “We meet with faculty and students alike to make them aware of our program.”

Students may then apply online in the same way anyone would who seeks employment with USA.

“All are being given the chance to experience, first hand, the ‘real world,’” Johnson said.

After working with USA while attending colleges and universities, some return as full-time employees.

“Hiring co-ops as full-time employees is a real advantage,” said Patti Solnay, USA’s Co-op Program Coordinator for Florida. “They have already experienced the new-hire training and know the company. When they come on board, they are already experienced contributors.”

For the past year, USA has offered an Enhanced Cooperation Education Program. Additional benefits to the program include housing assistance, travel assistance, education reimbursements and Co-op registration fee reimbursement.

“It’s the classic ‘win-win’ situation,” Johnson said. “We gain insights from eager, young people with fresh ideas, and they get first-hand experience doing what they are studying to do.”

USA’s company-wide Co-op effort includes 68 participants in Texas, 47 in Florida and five in Alabama. To learn more about USA’s Co-op effort, contact any one of the company’s program coordinators: Bailey in Texas at 281-282-4533, Solnay in Florida at 321-799-7287 or Johnson in Alabama at 256-971-3081.

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