Since it was established in 1976, the WPI Co-op Program has made winners out of more than 2,100 students. Co-op students can handle assignments that may be difficult for untrained personnel, but that do not require the talents of full time professionals. Retention rates for permanent employees recruited through a co-op program are higher than for those hired through other routes. Students can test classroom learning in the laboratory of the real world. Co-op earnings enable students to pay a significant portion of their college expenses.
Students improve their after-graduation job prospects by gaining valuable work experience.
The recruiting process begins in October for the first period and in February for the second. Employers are asked to provide a learning environment for students commensurate with their academic preparation and previous experience. If a student's work is not satisfactory, the Co-op Office should be notified before termination is considered. At the end of an assignment, the supervising manager is asked to complete a performance evaluation for the student. Students are expected to provide their employers with the highest levels of interest , enthusiasm and productivity .