Paul Scholars Community Partners
The Paul Scholars Work Education Program at Concordia University, Nebraska offers a unique opportunity for local employers to partner in developing the next generation of leaders in the church and world while gaining immediate benefits to your business or nonprofit through access to talented, motivated student workers.
What is Paul Scholars?
Paul Scholars is a four-year work scholarship and minor program that blends academic learning with practical work experience, fostering servant leadership among students within a Christian Lutheran academic community. Each year, a cohort of 10 freshmen joins the program, expanding to 40 students pursuing a variety of majors. These students are actively living out their Christian calling, their vocation to love God and serve their neighbor.
Program Structure
Years 1 and 2: Students engage in on-campus internships for an an average of 15 hours per week, focusing on building team skills and abilities.
Years 3 and 4: Students transition to long-term, off-campus internships with local Employer Partners, continuing their 15-hour workweek and developing leadership talents while honing their skills in their major field of study.
Paul Scholars Benefits
Students
Earn a college degree with little to no debt and gain hands-on work experience and leadership training, enriched with a minor in Vocational Leadership.
Employers
Benefit from motivated, career-ready, long-term interns ready to contribute and grow within your organization.
Community
Strengthen ties between Concordia University, Nebraska and local businesses, fostering mutual growth, creating potential local employment opportunities and encouraging talented graduates to contribute to the future development of Nebraska.
Become a Paul Scholar Work Placement Partner
- Access to the Next Generation of Servant Leaders
- Paul Scholars are selected based on well-rounded service, character and leadership potential, ensuring you receive dedicated and capable student workers who apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
- Dual Mentorship Support
- Work Mentor Role: As an Employer Partner, you'll guide and support students professionally, helping them integrate academic learning with practical experience.
- Collaborative Support: The program director and on-campus resources provide additional support, ensuring a well-rounded development process.
- Long-Term Investment in Future Leaders
- Leadership Development: Students are equipped for potential long-term roles within your organization, entering the workforce with advanced skills and experience.
- Community Contribution: Students are well-prepared to be leaders in their fields, contributing to the economic and professional growth of the region.
Steps to Partnership
- Initial Meeting: Schedule an intake session with the Paul Scholars program director by emailing paul.berggren@cune.edu.
- Commitment: Agree to fulfill the Work Mentor role.
- Investment: For on-campus positions, internship costs are fully covered by the Paul Scholars scholarship. For off-campus placements, employer partners contribute the scholarship amount for up to two years, helping cover the student’s tuition costs.
Meet Your Program Director
