The partnership focuses on three key initiatives:
- Expanding Tech Talent Pipeline – Create a hiring funnel between Marshall and Intuit dedicated to tech-driven jobs like cybersecurity. Marshall’s central location in Appalachia enables Intuit to recruit to strategic locations on the East Coast.
- Creation of a Prosperity Hub in the Innovation District/Student Internships – The establishment of a prosperity hub in Marshall’s Innovation District will foster economic development, attract new investments and create jobs, positioning the state as a leader in financial innovation. A comprehensive internship program, in partnership with Foundever, a global customer experience company, will offer students hands-on experience and valuable career opportunities across various industries. The pilot program launched this spring semester with 50 students with the goal of increasing the number of students to 200.
- Integration of Financial Education – This initiative will explore the integration of Intuit’s financial education curriculum for college and high school students, paving the way for financial wellness for a new generation.
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith, who served as CEO/President for Intuit prior to being named Marshall president, called the collaboration a milestone moment for Marshall and the community.
“This prosperity hub will be an anchor in our emerging Innovation District,” Smith said. “This hub will create opportunities for our students to have the chance to work, to engage and connect with our community. In doing so, they will get access to year-round jobs that will allow them to earn while they learn, while gaining very important real-world experience.
“When you put all three of these projects together, this program is going to give us the opportunity to access technology, expertise and resources that will pay dividends for our students and our community for generations to come.”
“This partnership marks a powerful step forward in our shared values and mission to power prosperity for Marshall students, greater West Virginia communities, and for our Intuit customers,” said David Graham, senior vice president of Intuit Customer Success. “With the support of Foundever, a top-tier customer service provider, our new prosperity hub in Marshall’s Innovation District will not only open doors for students to develop in-demand tax, bookkeeping, and AI skills through hands-on roles that align with their academic schedules, but it will also create pathways to bring exceptional expertise to Intuit customers, fueling their success We are deeply committed to the potential of each student and are thrilled to be a part of their journey toward a brighter future.”
Huntington Mayor Patrick Farrell said the new initiative will provide an important component for the city’s future.
“By creating real opportunities for students, supporting entrepreneurs and attracting new investment, we’re building a Huntington where young people can stay and succeed,” Farrell said. “This is how we grow a city of opportunity rooted in education, powered by innovation and open to everyone who wants to build a better future.”
In his remarks, West Virginia Secretary of Commerce Dr. Matt Herridge congratulated the university and Intuit on an innovative partnership.
“This is one of those partnerships that speaks to the very best of what is possible,” Herridge said. “When you have vision, when you have leadership and you have commitment to our state…. this is what we see.”
The Intuit team including Graham, David Zasada, vice president for Intuit’s Education Program, and other key members, are currently working with Marshall students, faculty and staff to finalize details of the project.
The prosperity hub will be centrally located in the Innovation District on 4th Avenue in Huntington and is expected to open this fall.