合作社, short for Cooperative Education, is an educational model in which students alternate semesters of academic study with terms of full-time (paid) employment in positions related to their academic and/or career goals. A participant can do 1-2 合作社 for two separate semesters plus summers, gaining up to a year of career experience before graduating.

U of I launched the 合作社 Program in summer 2018 in the College of Engineering, with plans to grow the program and eventually make available to all U of I students. To see which majors the program is currently accepting applications from, visit the 如何申请 页面. Students will start with a 合作社 program application and workshops that prepare them to successfully apply for and secure a 合作社 position, along with preparing them for the 合作社 experience itself. 合作社 typically happen during an extended junior year.

U of I provides a network of support that helps you prepare for and get the most from your 合作社, 包括 a 教师 合作社 Advisor and a 合作社 Coordinator. Your 合作社 Coordinator can help guide you through the 合作社 process and help identify various positions that best match your skills and career interests. Your 教师 合作社 Advisor will support the development of learning objectives and hold meetings with you and your on-site supervisor at the beginning and mid-point of your 合作社.

Both during and after completing a 合作社 assignment, students reflect on their experience. Once back to school, each 合作社 cohort participates in a 合作社 Showcase where students share about their 合作社 experience with fellow 合作社 participants, 教师, industry partners, 和学生. The reflection process also includes a Pre and Post Survey completed by both student and site supervisor.