Bronco Corps
Putting Students to Work for Idaho Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Bronco Corps is a paid internship program coordinated by the College of Business and Economics that supports Idaho small businesses and nonprofits. Through generous donor funding, this program connects students to high-need community projects and professional experience.
What Does Bronco Corps Do?
Creates Partners for Success
Bronco Corps leverages the power of philanthropic giving and the ingenuity of students to ensure the continued viability of Idaho’s small business and nonprofit community.
This program is an innovative approach to real-world learning and community impact.
Provides Professional Experience for Students
Students can find paid positions through Bronco Corps to support Idaho’s small business and nonprofit community, and gain valuable professional skills. This program is open to all actively enrolled students.
Positions post February, the program runs May – August.
Assists Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Small businesses and nonprofits that might be facing a lack of financial resources work alongside the Bronco Corps administrative team to craft an internship opportunity, fully funded. Once approved, positions post online where students apply for summer participation.
Interest form opens Fall 2026, outreach begins January.
Employers complete our interest form online
Impact by the numbers
*since August 2020
$276k
149
117
Student and Employer Success Stories
Hear directly from our students and employer partners about their journeys, breakthroughs, and real-world results on our YouTube Channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Questions
How do students apply?
First, review open positions on the COBE Internship & Job Board. Positions are posted February – April.
Once you have found a position you are interested in, log into Handshake and submit an application to the participating small business or nonprofit.
Need help preparing your application materials or practicing for interviews? Schedule a career coaching appointment.
Can students apply to more than one position?
Students can apply to as many positions as they are interested in and qualified for.
However, students may only participate in a maximum of two Bronco Corps positions, which may not be completed simultaneous.
Which students are eligible to participate?
Participating students must be actively enrolled in a degree program at Boise State. All majors and graduate programs can participate.
Additionally, students must meet minimum qualifications listed by hiring company or organization for each position they apply to.
For international students, there may be additional eligibility requirements. Check these resources to determine if you can participate as an international student.
Note, Bronco Corps interns are hired through the university, so this type of work is typically classified as a campus job.
Are Bronco Corps positions paid?
Yes. All positions are paid $17 an hour, up to 160 hours per position.
Can students get academic credit for a Bronco Corps position?
Academic credit is optional. Students who have been hired for a Bronco Corps position may apply for credit with completion of the Boise State Internship Application.
Through this process, department approval and adherence to application deadlines are required. Learn more and apply for internship credit here.
Small Business and Nonprofit Questions
How can small businesses and nonprofits get involved?
If your company or organization is in need of a paid intern, please complete our interest survey before December. Our administrative staff will review submissions and reach out to those selected in January.
We also welcome referrals. Feel free to spread the word within your network.
What types of organizations are eligible to participate?
Participating organizations must be a licensed small business or nonprofit operating in Idaho. Bronco Corps targets organizations with less than 50 employees, who otherwise would not be able to compensate an intern.
What is required of participating organizations?
Organizations are accountable for the following, with assistance from the Bronco Corps administrative team:
- Adhering to Boise State’s Employer User Policy
- Writing a clear internship/project description
- Creating a Handshake account and posting the position
- Selecting students to interview; scheduling and conducting interviews
- Selecting students to hire; offering the position
- Defining the internship scope; assigning appropriate tasks and projects
- Tracking and confirming hours worked every two weeks
- Providing an attentive supervisor/mentor; giving regular guidance, evaluation, and feedback to hired students
What is the cost to organizations?
Boise State compensates students, therefore there is no financial obligation. The program is designed to be a resource to small businesses and nonprofits.
Is there a limit on the number of students organizations can hire?
Participating organizations can hire up to two students, depending on need and capacity for supervision/mentorship.
Bronco Corps Program Contacts
Laura Chiuppi – contact for employer questions
Director of COBE Career Services
laurachiuppi@boisestate.edu
Mattie Honea – contact for student questions
Program Assistant in COBE Career Services
mattiehonea@boisestate.edu
Perrine Blakley – contact for giving questions
Sr. Director of Development for COBE
perrineblakley@boisestate.edu