Western & Southern and UC expand scholarship and co-op support

The UC College for Cooperative Education and Professional Studies hosts more than 8,000 co‑op experiences each year, with over 1,700 employer partners and $94 million in annual student earnings. Co‑ops play a defining role in preparing students for long‑term career success by providing meaningful, hands‑on experiences in a professional setting. These opportunities equip students with practical skills, industry insight and the confidence needed to excel in their chosen fields.

“With co-ops, UC students are contributing to real workplaces, building confidence and lifelong skills. Co-op now spans numerous disciplines, creating a broader and more flexible talent pipeline,” says Annie Straka, PhD, associate dean of the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies. “This couldn’t have been possible without the support of companies like Western & Southern who have been a standout partner, hiring dozens of UC students each year and more than 40 UC students this past summer.”

The Western & Southern Accelerated Career Program is a structured, paid pathway that equips students with real‑world client experience, professional licensing and comprehensive development benefits while preparing them for full‑time roles within the organization.

Building on a commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals, the Western & Southern Scholars Program provides scholarship support to co‑op students as they pursue their education.

Through these programs, the company is helping form a cohesive pipeline designed to develop work‑ready talent in Greater Cincinnati.

“Western & Southern is proud to invest in emerging talent in our region through our partnership with the University of Cincinnati,” says Jill McGruder, senior vice president and enterprise chief marketing officer, Western & Southern Financial Group; vice chair, UC Board of Trustees. “The Western & Southern Financial Group Scholars Program and Accelerated Career Program helps give students the support needed to gain real-world experiences, professional coaching and industry credentials. Together, these efforts reflect our shared commitment to opening doors for students and supporting Cincinnati in building a brighter future.”