U of O to Launch Funded Career-Readiness Initiative

University of the Ozarks is launching Momentum, a new career readiness initiative that will provide students with funding to pursue internships, undergraduate research, international experiences and other high-impact opportunities that prepare them for life and careers after graduation.

Momentum, which is expected to be fully implemented for the Fall 2027 Semester, will provide approximately 100 U of O students each year with expanded access to internships, undergraduate research, service learning, professional development, creative projects, international experiences and other high-impact learning opportunities that connect the classroom to careers.

Awards are expected to average $3,000 and would help students build applied skills, professional networks, and post-graduation readiness. The initiative will also include a new position within the University's Student Success division to coordinate placements, manage student opportunities, and build employer, alumni, and institutional partnerships in Clarksville and beyond.

University President Richard Dunsworth said Momentum will feature "high-impact practices" that will lead to greater student success.

"We know that high-impact experiences such as internships, undergraduate research and service learning strengthen student engagement, learning and persistence while creating important pathways to meaningful careers," Dunsworth said. "Momentum will ensure that more Ozarks students can take advantage of these transformative opportunities, regardless of their financial circumstances. By removing barriers and connecting students with meaningful experiences beyond the classroom, we are helping them build the skills, confidence and professional networks they need to thrive after graduation."

The initiative is made possible by a recent $8 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation.

Dunsworth expressed the University's gratitude to the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation for its investment in Ozarks students and their futures.

"This gift will open doors to opportunities that many of our students might not otherwise have and help them realize their full potential," he said.

Dody Pelts, vice president for student success, said Momentum will primarily focus on students entering their junior year, a pivotal time when many begin connecting their academic experiences with their career goals.

"We've seen how transformative internships, research and other hands-on experiences can be for our students, and Momentum will allow us to make those opportunities available to many more students," Pelts said. "The junior year is often when students begin thinking more intentionally about their career path and calling. Momentum will give them the opportunity to explore those interests, gain meaningful experience and begin building a bridge from college to career."

University officials cited the 2024 National Survey of Student Engagement (NACE) survey, which found that employers extended full-time offers to more than 65 percent of their interns.

"Experiences like internships give students an opportunity to put what they're learning into practice, but just as importantly to build professional relationships and demonstrate what they can contribute in the workplace," Pelts said. "When more than 65 percent of interns are receiving full-time job offers, it's clear these experiences can be a direct pathway to employment. Momentum will help ensure our students have greater access to those opportunities and are prepared to make the most of them."

Pelts said U of O alumni will play a key role in the Momentum initiative.

"We have more than 9,000 alumni in 53 countries around the world doing great things professionally, so the new staff position will work closely with our alumni to set up internship opportunities," Pelts said. "Our goal is to build strong alumni, employer, nonprofit, and institutional partnership networks both locally, nationally and internationally."

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