If Governor Ted Strickland has his way the newly approved casinos in Ohio will be help foot the bill for college internships. In a recent conference call with reporters Strickland said that he is going to urge the passage of a bill that would allow for portion of the $200 million the state is expected to receive for casino licensing to be used to fund the Third Frontier internship program.

The Third Frontier internship program will be part of the Ohio’s Third Frontier program. This visionary initiative was created in 2002 within the Department of Development to firmly establish the state as an innovation leader and to accelerate the pace of commercialization in Ohio. It offers a wide range of programs from cluster development programs to entrepreneurial programs to research programs. It’s already received a bi-partisan commitment of $1.6 billion for operations over the next ten years but it’s looking to get approval for a $700 million bond renewal for funding for the Third Frontier internship program at the polls in May.

The hope is that the program will allow students to seek internship opportunities in private sector business throughout Ohio. It is be much more likely for individuals to remain in Ohio if they are already involved in Ohio’s economy upon graduation notes Strickland.

Third Frontier currently reimburses up to 50% of an intern’s wagers (but no more than $3,000 a year) while the remainder is covered by the company. Strickland is aiming to keep the ratio the same with the help of funds earned from the casinos.

If you would like to read more about the Third Frontier program you can do so at their official site located at http://thirdfrontier.com/