Calhoun Announces Applications for Paid Engineering Internship Program

Revolutionizing Career Paths in Systems Engineering Technology

Calhoun Community College is excited to announce its innovative Systems Engineering Technician (SET+) pilot program. This program provides individuals with the opportunity to earn a degree in just two years while gaining hands-on experience with a leading engineering company and earning a salary. Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2025 cohort, and the deadline to apply is March 15, 2025, at 12 p.m. CST.

According to Cynthia Buchheit, Calhoun’s Dean of Business & CIS, the Systems Engineering Technician+ (SET+) Program is designed to fast-track students into the workforce as highly skilled Systems Engineering Technicians, addressing a critical industry need. Unlike traditional four-year engineering programs, SET+ students earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Systems Engineering Technology in just two years while working for a sponsor company and earning a competitive salary.

The SET+ Program blends cutting-edge coursework with hands-on industry experience. Students attend classes two days a week at Calhoun and work three days a week with their assigned sponsor employer, gaining real-world on-the-job experience. In addition to core coursework in computer programming and database management, students also receive advanced training toward CompTIA Security+® and CompTIA Project+® industry certifications, enhancing their chances of being hired by future employers.

“Our goal with SET+ is to provide individuals with an innovative, accelerated pathway into engineering careers while equipping employers with skilled, workforce-ready technicians trained to meet their specific needs,” said Angela Humphrey, Business & CIS Program Coordinator at Calhoun. “Students will not only enhance their systems engineering technician skill set, but they will also be thoroughly prepared to enter this critical career field in a fraction of the time, meeting the growing demand for their expertise,” Humphrey added.

The SET+ Program is currently offering up to 15 full-tuition scholarships for students accepted into the program, funded through the Institute of Digital Enterprise Advancement (IDEA). Additionally, students will earn a minimum of $22 per hour for their work through sponsored employers, with salary augmentation incentives from IDEA.

"With SET+, we are breaking the mold of traditional education and employment pathways," says Buchheit. "This program is a game-changer for individuals who want to enter the engineering workforce quickly and debt-free, without having to sacrifice their ability to earn a living," she adds.

The SET+ Program is also actively seeking new employer partners to sponsor students, providing them with valuable on-the-job training that aligns with their company’s needs. Participating businesses gain direct access to a pool of highly skilled, career-ready graduates while helping to shape the development of future industry professionals.

Employers who are interested in joining the program will:

· Host students for three days a week in a paid internship role.

· Work directly with Calhoun faculty to align curriculum with industry needs.

· Gain the opportunity to hire trained graduates already integrated into their company’s culture.

“The response from industry partners has been overwhelmingly positive. Businesses see this as an investment in their future workforce, and students see it as a fast track towards the engineering careers of their dreams. It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” Humphrey says.

The deadline to apply for the 2025-26 SET+ Program is March 15, 2025, at 12 PM CST. Students and employers can learn more and apply at www.calhoun.edu/SETPLUS.

For employer partnerships or program inquiries, contact: Angela Humphrey at angela.humphrey@calhoun.edu or 256-713-4817.

All media inquiries should contact Calhoun’s Public Relations Team at 256-306-2560 or 256-306-2965.