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 is open May – December, outreach begins January.
Impact by the numbers
*since August 2020
$217k
120
99
Katharine Meisenbacher, Program Manager Intern
My internship was rewarding on several levels. I worked on multiple projects to strengthen the Hike2Heal message and expand its mission. I used my marketing skills to significantly grow their social media presence, and built a network with local businesses through community engagement. By far, the most meaningful part of this internship was meeting and engaging with the selfless caregivers while on backpacking trips. These experiences have deeply impacted me. I am eager to bring this insight and knowledge to my future endeavors. Deep gratitude to Boise State for preparing me for and providing me with this opportunity.
Emily Baeza, Retail Operations Intern
Being a part of a new business opening was very exciting. I enjoyed learning about how to run a business and helping out with displays. I appreciated being a part of this opportunity and I learned lots of new things that can help me with my future career. Thank you!
Hailey Fackrell Owner, Owner Greater Heights Marketing
While I was in college, I went through the Bronco Corps program twice myself, so it was really cool to see it from the other side. Participating in Bronco Corps as a student made me realize that I wanted to start my own business, which I eventually did. Participating in Bronco Corps as an employer has been instrumental in helping me learn to mentor, onboard, train and hire. My intern did an amazing job and I was able to take on a lot more clients than I could have otherwise. It was also great to have someone to bounce ideas off of. Bronco Corps really helped my small business scale. I am on track this year to triple my revenue!
Denise Dixon, Executive Director of Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force
Bronco Corp is an amazing program for small nonprofits like ours. Funding is tight and this gives us an opportunity to expand our reach. Our intern was amazing, thoughtful, professional and was able to work independently while working remotely. She put together a mid-year impact report, which The Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force had never done before. The impact report was well received and I believe will make a positive impact in our fundraising goals. I would encourage anyone interested to consider this program for your organization. I would encourage those that can fund this program to do so. Bronco Corp is a win-win!
Christina Maag, Founder + CEO of Hoopla
We hired two interns from the Bronco Corps program. Our first intern transitioned to working full-time at our company and has now been with us 2 years. For our second intern, we had so many great candidates. With the guidance of COBE Career Services, we were able to craft a great internship description. We interviewed eight qualified candidates and selected one, who took the lead in creating a social media calendar and strategy. Our second intern graduated and moved out of state, but we would have hired her in a heartbeat. Each intern has left a lasting impression.
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 $15 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