Innovation Description and Benefit:

This innovation establishes a partnership with a local college to expand intern recruiting by providing affordable housing options for students from outside the area. Through this collaboration, interns from states such as Illinois, Kansas, Alabama, and Arkansas were able to participate in MoDOT internships that would otherwise be inaccessible due to distance. The college offers campus apartments at rates lower than short-term housing in Springfield and delays the first month’s rent until after interns receive their initial paycheck. Direct communication between students and the college’s housing director streamlines the process, reducing miscommunication and ensuring a smooth experience.