Academic Career Experience - Certificate of Achievement

Program Code: CBZ.35100

Academic Career Experience (ACE), commonly known as “Cooperative (Co-op) Education,” is an excellent example of a working partnership between employers and an educational institution. This integration of practical experience and academics results in a win-win situation for the student, the employer, and the College. Delta has long recognized the value of practical work experience to strengthen college programs and enhance student education.

Co-op is an academic program providing current Delta students the opportunity to gain valuable, real-life work experience related to their academic or career goals. The ACE Office will help students arrange part-time work schedules to accommodate their full- or part-time class schedules. Participating in co-op requires a one-year commitment from both the employer and the student. Students are required to work a minimum of 180 hours per semester (about 12 hours a week).

Participating in co-op benefits students in numerous ways:

• Allows students to earn college credit while getting paid
• Helps students gain hands-on work experience relevant to career goals
• Establishes valuable professional contacts, which broadens job opportunities after graduation
• Assists students in gaining professional work experience to build resume
• Allows students to participate in ACE courses, which provide ongoing professional development
• Provides a safe worksite free from discrimination and harassment
• Encourages mentoring on a daily basis from professionals in the workplace