URI: Student-business alliance proposal

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) - The new president of the University of Rhode Island wants to forge tighter bonds between the school and businesses in the state.

President David Dooley says his initiative would enlist URI students to participate in the Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Service to assist companies that need help raising competitiveness and profitability.

Dooley says the partnership, if approved, would help drive the state's economy.

He tells The Providence Journal that the program would provide businesses with students in a particular area of expertise in which the company needs help.

He says it would provide students with practical experience they don't get in the classroom.

The executive director of the extension service says he's open to the idea.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/