Cooperative (Co-Op) Education

Learn-by-doing philosophy

Cooperative education blends theory and practice and provides relevance to a college education. It offers innovative and expanded dimensions to the education of students at postsecondary institutions and exemplifies Cal Poly Pomona's learn-by-doing philosophy.

Cal Poly Pomona, one of only seven polytechnic universities nationwide, provides a rich academic experience that encourages hands-on learning in every program, course and activity on campus. 

The university is ranked: 

• Second in the nation for its urban and regional planning program (among programs that do not offer doctorates).
• Fourth in the West for campus diversity among public schools.
• 15th in the nation for undergraduate programs in engineering.
• 15th in the nation for its graduate landscape architecture program.
• Among the best in the nation for its graduate business programs.

• Industry partners determine student pay between $17 and $30 per hour.
• Industry partners usually prefer sophomore or junior applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Depending on industry partners’ needs, Co-Op students can work during the summer and/or year-round.
• Students can be hired throughout the year with the condition that students are able to register for the required Co-Op/Internship course.

Cal Poly Pomona appreciates the collaboration, time, and effort of industry partners. Thanks to your contributions, The Cal Poly Pomona Co-Op Education Program has been a success for more than 30 years.

• Ability to enhance company name recognition and increase branding opportunities at the universities and in the larger community
• Strengthen managers' interpersonal relationships and leadership skills
• Industry partners can count on a large pool of very qualified candidates from numerous universities.
• Increase industry partners' fresh ideas, new strategies, and techniques while managing Co-Op students
• Engage with ambitious and enthusiastic Co-Op students
• Cal Poly Pomona initiates human resources assistance to industry partners from personnel requisitions, job flyers, job advertisements, recruitment, job offers, hiring, payroll, onboarding to termination.

Companies should assume the same responsibilities as those associated with part-time employees, including management and evaluation.  Industry partners are expected to:

• Provide an orientation, an appropriate amount of training, and supervised productive work
• Discuss work expectations and company guidelines with students
• Provide periodic feedback and student evaluations 
• Provide students with increased responsibility over the duration of their project
• Participate in a site visit with Co-Op Program administrators
• Maintain communications with the Co-Op Education Program Office
• Inform students of injury protocols, emergency procedures, confidentiality issues, and any unforeseen circumstances
• Adhere to Co-Op Education Program guidelines

The Co-Op Education Program office serves to create, maintain and sustain partnerships with our local, regional and global community.  We look forward to partnering with you to enhance the experience of students in their education, and global awareness and service.

To initiate a partnership with the department, the following criteria are required:

• Have a valid company or business and a physical location
• Provide on-site supervision of students
• Offer challenging and stimulating experiences to Co-Op Program students
• Provide students with appropriate training and orientation
• Cal Poly Pomona Foundation is the employer for Co-Op students and is responsible for the full Human Resources administration cycle and pays liability insurance for the Co-Op students. Industry partners are expected to be reciprocal for these direct and indirect costs.
• Once you meet the industry partner criteria, you may begin the contract agreement process. 

Please work with the Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) Center for Community Engagement (CCE) – Co-Op Program Office, CPP Foundation and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to initiate a Co-Op contract agreement.  Here is the contact info: co-op@cpp.edu; 909-869-3434.