experience greater

with the Greater Lafayette Summer Internship Experience

This program is an all-access pass to everything Greater Lafayette has to offer outside the office. In our inaugural year, nearly 300 college interns registered, representing 64 different universities. Whether they were here for the summer or exploring their next big move, participants connected with the community, with fellow interns and with what their future could look like here in Greater Lafayette.

Check back for details on next year’s program coming in summer 2026!

It was A summer to remember

past events

June 6 @ 6pm: Opening Night

We’re starting the summer off right—under the lights at Loeb Stadium, home of the Lafayette Aviators and one of the community’s favorite hangouts.

Join us for a night of baseball, free food and drinks, and the perfect chance to meet other interns from across the area. Whether you’re a sports fan or just in it for the snacks and good vibes, this is a can’t-miss way to kick off your summer in Greater Lafayette!

June 13 @ 4pm: Lafayette just makes sense

Join us from 4 to 7 p.m. this Friday for Lafayette Just Makes Sense, a guided scavenger-hunt-style experience through downtown, created just for interns as part of the Greater Lafayette Summer Internship Experience. It’s completely free and packed with activities, giveaways and opportunities to make friends.

The event kicks off at Greater Lafayette Commerce, where you’ll pick up your map and set off on a scavenger hunt that takes you to some of the most popular local businesses. They’ll be opening their doors for a mix of fun and freebies. Find the hidden object at Essentially Aqua for a free gift and 25 percent off your purchase. Two Tulips will be offering a shop tour and teaming up with Every’s Ice Cream for a trivia activity. Rose & Wick is hosting a scent-guessing game with prizes, and Flourish Studio will have a hands-on art activity. At Flora Candle Co., make your own room spray and enjoy 10 percent off.

You’ll also find mocktail tastings at Generation NA, a Harvest Moon Tea Latte sampling at The Lobby by Greyhouse, BOGO deals at Rags to Riches and a discount “hunt” at Urban Huntress. Eleventh House will offer cold brew samples, Burt’s Pizza has free pizza samples and McCord’s Candies is offering your choice of chocolate truffle—blueberry, strawberry, or peach. Don’t miss free bicentennial postcards at The Beyond Gallery or the chance to tour historic Thomas Duncan Hall.

Complete the scavenger hunt by visiting the participating spots, and you could win one of two grand prize gift baskets packed with gift cards, handmade soaps, candles, candy, swag, goodies from Two Tulips Boutique and more local goods.

Find your way to Thomas Duncan Hall around 6 p.m. to enjoy a free taco bar provided by Dos Amigos and unwind with mingling, a variety of games—like giant Jenga—and more surprises.

June 23 @ 1pm: Think Fast, Lead Boldy

Join us at the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette for a fast-paced, two-hour session where you’ll build real-world skills like adaptability, communication, teamwork, and confidence—all through fun, interactive improv games.

No stage experience needed—just come ready to learn and laugh!

Plus, you’ll have access to get a professional headshot taken–all for FREE!

This event takes place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

jULY 11 @ 4PM: PADDLE & CHILL ON THE WILDCAT

Grab a paddle and hit the water with us for a relaxing (and slightly adventurous!) trip down the scenic Wildcat Creek. Paddle & Chill—taking place July 11 from 4–6 p.m.—is your invitation to unplug and soak up the summer vibes with fellow interns from across Greater Lafayette. Whether you prefer to canoe, kayak or kick back in a tube, this is your chance to take in the beauty of Tippecanoe County from the best seat possible: on the water.

Known for its wildlife, the stream winds its way from Kokomo to Lafayette, eventually joining the mighty Wabash River. It’s a calm, beginner-friendly tributary, perfect for a low-key afternoon. You’ll meet at Wildcat Canoe and Kayak Too (1850 N. 725 E., Lafayette), where you’ll check in and hop on a shuttle that will take you to the launch site. From there, it’s an easy two-hour float. Life jackets will be available, and you’ll have the option to paddle solo or with a partner.

Since the Wildcat is shallow enough to stand in most places, expect to get a little wet. We recommend wearing water-friendly shoes, bringing sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle. Be sure to leave valuables behind or protect them in Ziploc or waterproof bags.

This event is free and open to all interns, whether you’ve been to past events or are jumping in for the first time.

July 25 @ 1pm: Community Experience at Food finders Food Bank

This summer, we’re teaming up with Food Finders Food Bank to make a real impact—and we want you on the team. Join us for a hands-on, feel-good event where you can give back, connect with others, and help fight hunger in our community.

Interns will spend the day volunteering at the Fresh Market. Shifts start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. Sign up for a time that works best for you! Hope to see you there.

August 1 @ 9:30 am: vip tour at purdue

Go behind the scenes at Mackey Arena to see where Boilermaker legends are made—and where the energy fuels our whole community.

Plus, hear from Amie Anthrop, Director of Basketball Operations for Purdue Women’s Basketball, as she shares her journey and what it takes to lead at the top level.

This event is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

August 8 @ 5pm: Summer Finale at Cason Family Park

Wrap up your summer in style at the grand finale of the Greater Lafayette Summer Internship Experience! Join us at the brand-new Cason Family Park for free food, yoga, live music, local vendors and one last chance to connect, relax and explore. You don’t want to miss it!

This event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Check in is at 5!

connect with the experience

Don’t miss a moment of the summer intern experience! From event updates to behind-the-scenes highlights, we’re sharing it all on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow us to stay connected all summer long—and beyond.

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why greater lafayette?

Ranked as the #1 best place for Career Opportunities

Greater Lafayette is one of those places that just gets it right. A Big Ten town with small-town bones, Purdue University brings a level of excitement you don’t often find in a city this accessible.

It’s big enough to have momentum—new businesses, major investments and a ton of opportunities—but it still has the feel of a community where people know and support each other. There’s a real sense of collaboration here, whether it’s between businesses, schools, elected officials or the community as a whole. Here, the air is thick with ideas and possibilities.

And it’s not just about growth for the sake of growth—it’s about making this a place where people want to be—whether they’re starting a business, building a career or just looking for a great community to call home.

In our historic downtown, rows of historic buildings house quaint shops and world-class eateries, creating a special kind of magic. Plus, our collection of public artwork adds beauty to public spaces while the Wabash River, Wildcat Creek and nearby state and local parks give us room to breathe and recharge.

And when you feel the itch to explore more? Indy and Chicago are just up the road, and our own airport makes travel a breeze. But the thing is, once you’re here, and you have the opportunity to see what makes us special, you get it.

lafayette celebrates its bicentennial year

This year, Lafayette, Indiana, will mark its 200th birthday with a year-long bicentennial celebration filled with events for all ages from January to December! Join in on monthly activities that highlight Lafayette’s rich history, including school events, historic tours, and art showcases.

BEST PLACES

FOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Smart Asset, 2022

Lafayette-West Lafayette has the eighth-highest income growth between professionals aged 25 to 44 and those aged 45 to 64, at almost 25%.

BEST SMALL CITIES

for making a living

MoneyGeek, 2o2o

With a Big Ten University in Purdue and many other top employers, Greater Lafayette is an attractive place to work, play, and belong.

BEST PLACES

TO WORK IN MANUFACTURING

Best Small Cities

To Start a Small Business

Go.Verizon.com, 2021

Lafayette, Indiana earns the #25 spot in the top 50 cities to start a small business.

Greater Lafayette Young Professionals

Powered by Greater Lafayette Commerce, Greater Lafayette Young Professionals (GLYP) is an organization for individuals between the ages of 21 and 39 and who live or work in Greater Lafayette. GLYP provides professional development, community involvement and networking opportunities.

Visit lafayette–west lafayette

Our local tourism organization provides support and promotion of the tourism sector, creating a ripple effect that makes our community more vibrant, dynamic, diverse, and a great place to visit, live, work or play.

Leadership lafayette

Leadership Lafayette develops individuals through experiential learning and community engagement to promote servant leadership. Participants engage in cutting-edge facilitation and simulation with thought leaders focused on building collective capacity.

experience greater

with the Greater Lafayette Summer Internship Experience

It was A summer to remember

past events

June 6 @ 6pm: Opening Night

June 13 @ 4pm: Lafayette just makes sense

June 23 @ 1pm: Think Fast, Lead Boldy

jULY 11 @ 4PM: PADDLE & CHILL ON THE WILDCAT

July 25 @ 1pm: Community Experience at Food finders Food Bank

August 1 @ 9:30 am: vip tour at purdue

August 8 @ 5pm: Summer Finale at Cason Family Park

connect with the experience

Follow us on instagram

follow us on linkedin

why greater lafayette?

Ranked as the #1 best place for Career Opportunities

lafayette celebrates its bicentennial year

BEST PLACES

Smart Asset, 2022

BEST SMALL CITIES

MoneyGeek, 2o2o

BEST PLACES

Smart Asset, 2020

Community of the Year

Indiana Chamber of Commerce, 2021

Most fitness-friendly places

SMART ASSET, 2020

Best Small Cities

Go.Verizon.com, 2021

Get connected in greater lafayette

Greater Lafayette Young Professionals

Visit lafayette–west lafayette

Leadership lafayette