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Memorandum of Understanding

Between Cortado Group and [Institution Name]

Regarding Participation in the Cortado Innovation Studio

1. Purpose

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a collaborative partnership between Cortado Group and [Institution Name] to support student participation in the Innovation Studio — a structured, curriculum-based internship program focused on artificial intelligence, software development, and modern business methodologies.

The Innovation Studio is an unpaid, education-first internship aligned with the U.S. Department of Labor’s “primary beneficiary test” and designed to deliver high-value learning outcomes for students.

2. Cortado Group Responsibilities

Cortado Group agrees to:

  • Provide a structured, mentor-led 12-week program centered on experiential learning.
  • Deliver formal instruction and hands-on practice across four curriculum modules:
  • Foundations in Software Development
  • The AI-Assisted Developer
  • Agile Operations and Quality Assurance
  • From Concept to Market
  • Assign a dedicated Program Manager to oversee all intern learning and compliance.
  • Ensure all intern work is guided by explicit educational objectives.
  • Coordinate with the institution on timing, learning goals, and credit recognition.
  • Provide intern performance feedback and final project evaluations as requested.

3. [Institution Name] Responsibilities

[Institution Name] agrees to:

  • Publicize the Innovation Studio to eligible students as an approved for-credit internship opportunity.
  • Work with Cortado Group to align program outcomes with academic standards.
  • Award credit (if applicable) based on the institution’s policies and the student’s successful participation.
  • Assign a faculty advisor or point of contact for academic support (optional).
  • Monitor student participation and provide relevant feedback to the program team.

4. Internship Terms

  • Duration: 12 weeks (Fall, Spring, or Summer session)
  • Hours: 12–20 hours per week, flexible around academic schedules
  • Format: Remote-first, with optional in-person events if geographically feasible
  • Compensation: Unpaid; structured to ensure the student is the primary beneficiary
  • Academic Credit: Awarded at the institution’s discretion and based on program completion

5. FERPA and Confidentiality

Both parties agree to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as applicable, and to safeguard student data and performance records appropriately.

6. Term and Termination

This MOU is effective as of the date of the last signature and shall remain in effect for one year, with automatic annual renewal unless either party provides written notice of termination.

7. Signatures

For Cortado Group
Name: _____
Title: Director of Innovation
Signature: ____
Date: _________

For [Institution Name]
Name: _____
Title: ____
Signature: ____
Date: _________

For questions regarding this agreement or the Innovation Studio program, please contact:
David Russell
Director of IT, Operations, PMO, and Innovation
Cortado Group
Email: david.russell@cortadogroup.com