Industry Engagement

Grand Canyon University partners with organizations to spark innovation, support research, and make a real difference in the community. GCU’s Grants Office and Career Services connect partners with funding that fuels student success and industry projects. Every grant is a shared effort between GCU and its active partners, working together to create positive impact.

At Grand Canyon University (GCU), we are dedicated to building meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses, industries, government entities, communities, and nonprofit organizations. 

GCU partners gain access to the diverse expertise and innovative capabilities of our students and faculty. Partners engage with GCU in numerous ways, from visiting campus as guest speakers or mentors to hiring our skilled students as interns and employees. They also have the opportunity to participate in and support community service projects, global outreach initiatives, career development activities, and sponsor capstone and undergraduate research projects. 

Through these touchpoints, our partners contribute to the professional, entrepreneurial, and intellectual growth of our students while accessing a robust pipeline of talented future professionals, as well as valuable resources to support organizational and business solutions. 

Industry Collaboration Opportunities

Talent Pipeline and Recruitment
  • Offer internship experiences for GCU students
  • Attend GCU career fairs 
  • Participate in “Companies on Campus” 
  • Provide student employment opportunities on or off campus 
  • Hire GCU graduates 
Academic Programs and Student Development
  • Become a University or College Advisory board member or industry mentor 
  • Be a guest speaker 
  • Provide job shadowing opportunities for GCU students 
  • Offer strategic volunteer opportunities 
  • Become an adjunct faculty member
Research, Development, and Entrepreneurism
  • Sponsor research under Canyon Emerging Scholars, GCU’s undergraduate research program in all 10 colleges 
  • Sponsor Capstone Projects  
  • Partake in joint research with the university 
  • Join the Canyon Angels Investment Network, connects industry partners and investors with GCU’s community of innovators.  
  • Join the Canyon Challenge Panel, GCU’s annual start up competition for students to pitch innovative ideas for a chance to win funding, mentorship, and other resources. 
  • Get involved with on-campus Lopes Live Labs 
  • Sponsor research to be published in GCU’s Canyon Journal for Undergraduate Research 
  • Sponsor university initiatives 
  • Become a Workforce Development Partner 
  • Sponsor scholarships under the Center for Workforce Development 
  • Support curriculum development as a subject matter expert

Why GCU?

  • Access Top Talent: Connect with driven students who are ready to bring fresh perspectives and dedication to your team. GCU prepares students with real-world experience, practical skills, and industry-relevant knowledge, making them highly capable candidates ready to excel in the workforce. Our emphasis on hands-on learning ensures that graduates can make an immediate impact in your organization.
  • Collaborate on Real-World Solutions: At GCU, our applied research focuses on solving real-world problems, not just discovery. We prioritize practical outcomes that make an immediate impact, creating relevant, actionable solutions for our partners. 
  • Engage in Community Impact: We believe in partnerships that enrich not only the university but the community. Join us in outreach initiatives that bring lasting change and support your corporate social responsibility goals. 
  • Agility and Innovation: GCU is known for its adaptability and forward-thinking approach. We embrace cutting-edge technology and innovative practices, allowing us to quickly respond to industry needs and create customized solutions for our partners. 
  • Be Part of the Future: From mentorship and internships to collaborative projects, your involvement shapes the next generation of industry leaders.

How to Partner

  1. Reach Out: Contact our Industry Relations team. 
  2. Discuss Needs and Goals: Meet with us to identify collaboration opportunities that align with your objectives. 
  3. Customize Partnership: We’ll tailor engagement opportunities to suit your needs, from internships and advisory roles to joint research.

For more information, please contact [email protected].