As we conclude the 2023-2024 MECOP year, we reflect on our accomplishments and look ahead to what's next. Each year, our program grows in the number of students and internships, as well as in influence and recognition as the Pacific Northwest's most innovative internship program.
This year, MECOP received a record high of over 800 applications. We accepted 334 students and, together with our current seniors, placed them in 574 total internship positions.
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 year, we aim to involve more companies and increase the number of internship positions. While interest in our program continues to grow, we have seen a significant rise in applications from Computer Science and Computer Engineering students, especially those focused on the tech industry. As the only internship program of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, MECOP anticipates sustained and increasing interest. We will continue to work to expand our partnerships to meet this demand.
Our internship program aims to set students up for success and prepare them for the professional world. We offer monthly student seminars to provide tips and tricks for excelling in internships, opportunities to network with peers and participating companies at the Company Expo, and one-on-one feedback sessions with MECOP employees on their interviews.
A key component of MECOP is providing students with two six-month internships. Students often ask why two internships are required. The answer is differentiation. While students may have clear career aspirations, two diverse internships can help them discover new passions and career paths they hadn't considered. Our goal is for students to experience as much as possible before entering the professional workforce.
MECOP continues to strengthen its program by raising awareness among K-12 and college students, helping them prepare for their future in the program. This year, we participated in 47 outreach events, from high school visits to college seminars. Notably, at the OSU Engineering Fair, over 1,400 K-12 students from across Oregon learned about engineering projects and the exciting opportunities MECOP offers, inspiring many to start planning their futures. We also connected with numerous teachers to discuss bringing MECOP information to their classrooms and schools, expanding our reach.
To attract new applicants, we understand the importance of incentives. For instance, MECOP provided around 148 pizzas at 13 events, totaling approximately 207 square feet of pizza, excluding events where volunteers supplied their own food.
MECOP Connect continues as the alumni program for graduates and friends of MECOP, including company and university representatives. Over the past year, we've offered networking opportunities through monthly happy hours in four cities, exclusive plant tours, and our professional development book club and workshops. We also hosted our first annual Summer Event at The Ram in Salem, where alumni socialized over food, drinks, and games. These events help alumni stay connected and enhance their professional skills.
We recently launched our official tagline for MECOP Connect: Creating Connections, Empowering Careers. This phrase embodies our community's essence. At MECOP Connect, we are more than a network; we are a supportive community of professionals dedicated to each other's career journeys. From mentorship to collaboration, we bridge the gap between aspirations and achievements. With MECOP Connect, you're never alone on your career path. Join us in celebrating this new chapter as we continue to grow, support, and uplift each other.
We are excited to see the annual growth in interest and the development of everyone involved in MECOP—from students and alumni to company and university representatives. It truly takes a village to make this program what it is, and it's inspiring to see former students now representing MECOP at some of the Pacific Northwest's biggest companies. As we celebrate 46 years of the program, we're committed to remaining a student-first organization, dedicated to ensuring the success of tomorrow's professionals.
