The South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership’s WE+YOU Student Immersion Experience is kicking off April 4.
The two-day event is designed to attract student talent and showcase the career opportunities within the South Bend – Elkhart region. WE + YOU is open to students from colleges and universities across Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. The experience connects students with regional employers in manufacturing, health care, IT and higher education.
Participants will engage in site visits, networking events, speaker panels and employer showcases. Students will meet with organizations offering paid summer internships. They will also experience the Region’s economy and quality of life and place.
The experience kicks off with dinner in South Bend where students can connect with attendees and network with company representatives. The spring 2025 event will take place at Potawatomi Zoo. Attendees can enjoy local food trucks, music and Zoo Luminate.
Students will travel to Elkhart for breakfast at The Electric Brew. They will visit the Elkhart Aquatic Center for a guided tour and to connect with leaders within Beacon Health System. While in Elkhart, students will also visit WeImpact.
From Elkhart, attendees will travel to Mishawaka. Over lunch at Jesus Latin Grill, students will hear from regional leaders who will showcase the South Bend-Elkhart region. Panelists include Willow Weatherall, DTSB executive director, Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood, South Bend Mayor James Mueller and Juan Constantino, La Casa De Amistad CEO.
The experience concludes with the Regional Company Showcase & Networking, where companies have the opportunity to highlight their industry, company culture and career or internship opportunities. Each company will have 10 minutes to present. A networking session will follow, giving students the chance to meet company representatives.
This year, 35 to 50 undergraduate and graduate students are expected to attend the event. The South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership hosts the WE + YOU Student Immersion Experience every year in the spring and fall.
