Trulaske College of Business forms partnership with City of Refuge

The Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business has announced a new partnership with the City of Refuge that creates new experience-centered learning opportunities for business students and opportunities to contribute to the greater Columbia community. Through this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to engage in impactful internships and consulting projects that will give them valuable hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom. 

This innovative partnership aligns with the Trulaske Edge professional development program and supports Vision 2030, the college’s new strategy that prioritizes immersive real-world experiences and aims to nurture future leaders by providing students with experience-centered learning opportunities. Similar to partnerships with industry leaders, the alliance with City of Refuge, a nonprofit organization created to help refugees in Mid-Missouri, will offer students new opportunities to develop critical thinking skills through internships and creating and executing consulting projects in a real-world setting.

“We are always looking for new and innovative ways to expand the student experience and this new partnership with City of Refuge does that and so much more,” Gay Albright, associate dean of academic programs at the Trulaske College of Business, said. “We look forward to growing this alliance through initiatives that benefit both partners.”

Additionally, the partnership invites high school students and their families affiliated with the City of Refuge to explore future career and educational options. During a recent visit, prospective students and their families toured the campus and discovered variety of majors available at Mizzou. They also received essential information on financial aid, networking, developing a resume and had a professional headshot taken. 

Dean Balaji Rajagopalan welcomed the students to campus and discussed the wealth of opportunities in higher education available to them after high school graduation.  

“We're thrilled to team up with the City of Refuge, an organization dedicated to helping refugees and their families envision a brighter future. Our partnership with City of Refuge is just one of the many ways we hope to create societal impact,” Dean Balaji Rajagopalan said. “Together, we’ll offer members of the City of Refuge community a chance to explore educational opportunities at Trulaske and in higher education, supporting their journey towards socioeconomic growth and empowerment."