Vermont Students Get Paid to Build Real Business Skills

College students at the University of Vermont can now earn money while gaining real-world experience through a program that benefits both them and local businesses.

The Vermont Innovation Accelerator, launched in March 2026, matches undergraduate students with paid project work at Vermont companies and innovation hubs. Co-founders Vikyat Mulpuri, a UVM senior, and alumna Mollie Davis created the program to give students practical skills while supporting Vermont's economy.

"It is more affordable for the companies, provides real learning and opportunities for the students and it even leads to a pipeline of talent for the companies to hire after they graduate," Mulpuri said.

The program welcomes students from any major. After applying through the VIA webpage, students discuss their interests and goals with program staff, who then match them with companies needing their specific skills.

Projects range from three-week website builds to yearlong strategy development. Students can choose commitments that fit their schedules and career aspirations, working with partners like the Black River Innovation Campus, Gener8tor, Hula Lakeside, and the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies.

The program addresses a common challenge for rural states: losing graduates to larger cities after investing in their education. By connecting students with Vermont businesses early, VIA creates relationships that often lead to full-time positions after graduation.

President Marlene Tromp and Vice President for Research Kirk Dombrowski supported the vision from the start. The program operates through UVM Innovations and receives backing from the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships.

The Ripple Effect

Vermont Innovation Accelerator tackles three crucial needs at once. Students gain resume-building experience and income, companies get affordable help with important projects, and Vermont keeps talented graduates in the state.

The program shows how universities can serve their communities beyond traditional classroom teaching. By strengthening connections between students and local businesses, VIA helps build Vermont's economic future while giving young people meaningful work experience.

Every student match creates potential for lasting impact. A marketing major helping a startup develop social media strategy learns real skills while supporting a local business. An engineering student working on product development gains experience while contributing to Vermont's innovation ecosystem.

Students leave college not just with degrees, but with professional networks, proven skills, and connections to employers who already know their work.

Vermont is proving that keeping talent local starts with creating meaningful opportunities early.