LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) has partnered with Blackstone LaunchPad and StartUp Vegas to support their newest internship program, which aims to close the workforce opportunity gap by equipping college students with entrepreneurial skills and internship opportunities to help them build lasting careers.
Blackstone LaunchPad’s programming helps students hone innovation skills like growth mindset, creativity, critical thinking and leadership so that they can compete in the job market and work to identify their potential. Through this partnership, Blackstone LaunchPad draws from across LVGEA’s network to offer students a wide range of internship and career readiness opportunities. In 2024, 30 interns have been placed at 18 companies for a 10-week internship through funding from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation.
“We are thrilled about this partnership which harnesses the collaborative strengths of Blackstone LaunchPad, StartUp Vegas, and the dynamic local startup ecosystem,” said Heather Brown, SVP of Entrepreneurial Development for LVGEA. “By connecting the talents of UNLV and CSN students with pioneering companies, we’re not only fueling innovation but also enriching their educational journey. This initiative represents the substantial benefits for both the emerging startups and the students. It’s a brilliant example of how strategic collaboration can amplify growth and opportunity across the board.”
The internship program offers both on-demand digital and in-person skills-building programs with a particular focus on students looking to grow their skills and learn from local founders building their companies.
“Working for TensorWave has been a wonderful experience so far. The team has already taught me so much about the start-up industry and what it’s like building the foundations in marketing for the company,” said intern Feliza Cunanan. “I am excited to be a part of the company’s growth.”
The programming for the internship program, made in collaboration with StartUp Vegas, aims to help interns engage with the broader startup ecosystem. StartUp Vegas brings shared entrepreneurial excitement, energy, and encouragement to provide students with the value of understanding the startup scene in Southern Nevada through training, workshops, mentorship, collaboration, and networking opportunities.
“We are proud to support Startup Vegas, enabling local Vegas businesses and startups to hire summer interns – including student talent from local Blackstone LaunchPad partner institutions, College of Southern Nevada and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas,” said Maura Pally, Executive Director of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation. “We are committed to advancing students’ careers with paid career exposure opportunities and access to key skills-building and networking opportunities in Nevada and beyond.”
To learn more about LVGEA’s, Blackstone LaunchPad’s, and StartUp Vegas’ joint internship program, please visit the StartUp Vegas website.
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About Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) is a public-private partnership dedicated to growing the economy of the Las Vegas region through intentional business attraction, expansion, and connectivity. LVGEA has been designated as one of eight Regional Development Authorities (RDA) in Nevada by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) for 2022-2023. To learn more, visit the LVGEA website.
About Blackstone LaunchPad:
Blackstone LaunchPad works with colleges across the United States to help students launch successful careers through entrepreneurial skills-building programs and opportunities to intern at organizations in its network, including Blackstone, Blackstone portfolio companies and select startups. Since 2010, Blackstone LaunchPad has supported students on more than 75 college and university campuses, including Minority Serving Institutions and community colleges. In 2023, LaunchPad engaged more than 45,000 students.
About StartUp Vegas:
StartUp Vegas is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to boost the startup culture and create an environment of entrepreneurship. By building the infrastructure needed for a sustainable startup ecosystem, this grassroots effort will provide access and exposure for the community while enabling knowledge exchange and advancing the innovation economy of Southern Nevada.
