Paul Scholars Placement 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 Christian leaders while gaining immediate benefits to your business or nonprofit through access to talented, motivated student workers.
What is Paul Scholars?
The Paul Scholars program equips Christian leaders within a distinctly Lutheran academic scholarship community through Christ-centered service, hands-on work experiences and engaging learning. Each year, a new cohort of 10 freshmen joins the program, 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: Scholars work in on-campus work placements, averaging 15 hours per week, focusing on building team member skills, core competencies and work habits.
Years 3 and 4: Scholars transition to advanced work placements, which may be on-campus or in the community, continuing their mentored part-time work averaging 15 hours per week and applying leadership and core competency skills. Some placements may align with a Scholar’s major, but it is not guaranteed. Placements are based on student growth goals, talents, interests and work partner requirements.
Paul Scholars Benefits
Students
Gain hands-on leadership training, mentored work experience and applied vocational leadership learning while earning a college degree.
Employers
Benefit from motivated, well-equipped Scholar workers ready to contribute and grow within your organization.
Community
Strengthen ties between Concordia University, Nebraska and local businesses, encouraging talented graduates to contribute to the future development of Nebraska.
Become a Paul Scholars Work 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 a Work Partner, you’ll guide and support scholars professionally, helping them integrate academic learning with hands-on work 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 work positions, costs are fully covered by the Paul Scholars scholarship. For advanced work placements, partners contribute the scholarship amount for up to two years, helping cover the Scholar's tuition costs.
Meet Your Program Director
