Skip to main content
UMass Collegiate M The University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give
  • Search UMass.edu
College of Natural Sciences College of Natural Sciences

Main navigation

  • Academics
    Undergraduate programsGraduate programsCertificate programsFlexible and online learningAll academic programsCourses
    See all departments
    AdvisingStudent resourcesScholarshipsDegree requirementsCareer Center
  • Research
    Research centers & institutesUndergraduate researchGreenhousesIndustry partnershipsResearch supportCNS Bridge and Seed Funding (BSF) programScientific glassblowing laboratory
  • Campus & Outreach
    Diversity, Equity & InclusionOffice of Student Success & DiversityEureka!Community ConnectionsGivingCenter for Agriculture, Food, and the EnvironmentUMass Extension
  • About
    NewsStoriesEventsPeopleMeet the leadershipBuildings and facilitiesContact
    Information for faculty & staffInformation for alumni

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. News

Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council Joins the UMass Amherst icons Industry Consortium to Enhance Local economy Through Internships

June 20, 2023 Academics

Content

A group of students posing in front of a poster board presentation
L-R: Mantra Burugu ’26 (Computer Science), Vivienne Lance ’26 (Animal Science and Biology), Matthew Labasan ’26 (Civil and Environmental Science) and Gianina Medina ’26 (Biology and Chemistry) present their research into urban design and health during the

The Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC) and the UMass Amherst iCons Program, under the umbrella of the iCons Industry Consortium, are joining forces to provide UMass iCons students with exceptional internship and career opportunities in western Massachusetts. This partnership highlights the collective strength of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the iCons Program, and the EDC, demonstrating their commitment to fostering talent and economic growth in the region.

As a member of the EDC, UMass Amherst brings its renowned iCons Program to the forefront, further solidifying its dedication to interdisciplinary education and problem-solving. The iCons Program engages students in addressing real-world challenges alongside industry partners and esteemed faculty members from a range of STEM and business disciplines. Now, with the support of the EDC, UMass iCons students majoring in science, technology, engineering, math, health sciences, and business will have access to internship opportunities with local businesses, bolstering the regional economy.

The Western Mass EDC, known for its comprehensive understanding of the local business community, is actively identifying internship placements among its member organizations. This strategic collaboration not only benefits the students but also enhances the local economy by connecting businesses with talented and driven young professionals who possess strong communication and teamwork skills.

Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Western Mass EDC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’re excited to partner with UMass Amherst to showcase the advantages of living and working in western Mass. By bringing together exceptional students and local businesses, this collaboration creates a win-win situation, fostering mutual growth and development.”

Notably, the iCons Program has already successfully placed students in internships at three member organizations of the Western Mass EDC: US Tsubaki Chicopee, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and the Markens Group. These experiences have provided iCons students with valuable exposure to real-world work environments and have allowed them to contribute to the success of local businesses.

“The iCons Industry Consortium is thrilled to welcome the Western Mass EDC as an important partner,” said Scott Auerbach, Mahoney Family Sponsored Executive Director of the iCons Program. “The EDC’s knowledge of the local business community and its commitment to economic development are invaluable in helping our students find meaningful internships and jobs in Western Massachusetts.”

Through this collaboration, the Western Massachusetts EDC and the UMass Amherst iCons Program are paving the way for talented students to excel in their academic and professional pursuits while driving economic growth in the region. By nurturing the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers, this partnership will leave a lasting impact on both the students and the community as a whole.


This story was originally published by the UMass News Office. 

Announcement posted in Academics for Faculty , Staff , Prospective students , Current students , Alumni , and Public

Related programs

  • Science (Interdepartmental)
  • Polymer Science and Engineering
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Biology

Related departments

  • Biology
  • Polymer Science and Engineering
  • Mathematics and Statistics

Site footer

College of Natural Sciences
  • X
  • Find us on Facebook
  • Find us on YouTube
  • Find us on LinkedIn
  • Find us on Instagram
Address

101 Stockbridge Hall
80 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9248
United States

Phone number
(413) 545-2766

Info for...

  • Current students
  • Faculty and staff
  • Alumni

Academics

  • Explore our programs
  • Departments

The college

  • About CNS
  • News
  • Events

Contact

  • Contact CNS
  • Directory

Global footer

  • ©2025 University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Site policies
  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination notice
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of use