b'Our work with key externalA Ready Response decision served as an example stakeholders allows INLfor other national laboratories to shape the direction ofIn the spring of FY-20, asto follow, providing a model workforce development acrossit became clear that thefor their internship programs our region. State leadership,pandemic was not goingto also continue. We also local governments, universities,to fade away quickly andsent the message to students and local community collegesuncertainties abounded, INLthroughout the country that are all looking to INL for helpwas faced with a difficultin the face of big challenges, in identifying future workforcequestion: what to do with ourINL leads the way.needs and developinginternship program? INL led curriculums that will enablethe way for all national labs,University Partnerships also regional talent to fill them, andbecoming the first to commithelped INL staff prepare for University Partnerships staffto continuing our program.virtual internships and other are meeting this challengeUnderstanding the importancementoring relationships by head on. of the program both to thecreating a new workshop for laboratory and to the studentmentors. The new Mentoring University Partnershipsparticipants, the decisionin a Virtual Environment programs are more importantwas quickly made to moveworkshop expanded on to the lab than ever. Withforward in a virtual format. INLUniversity Partnerships an aging workforce and awould honor its commitmentpopular How to be a Good growing business volume,to offer students meaningfulMentor workshop with advice attracting a talented andeducational opportunities,specific to the challenges of diverse talent pool to the lab isregardless of circumstances. communicating in a virtual paramount. As INL continuedenvironment. Embracing their to grow in 2020, and theUniversity Partnershipsroles as advocates for program labs workforce eclipsedstaff worked closely withparticipants, University 5,000 employees, Universityother teams from aroundPartnerships staff also adapted Partnerships once again playedthe lab to identify andexisting programs such as a key role by handling over 45%implement innovativeintern enrichment activities of the labs overall hiring for thehardware, software andand monthly postdoc meetings year. University Partnershipssecurity solutions that wouldto serve these communities in programs attract a diverse groupallow students to completea virtual format.of participants that broadentheir internships in a virtual our institutional representationenvironment. INL interns were and cultural diversity. If allable to contribute to their hiring across the lab followedprojects, network with their the trends for Universitycolleagues and participate Partnerships programs, INLin enrichment activities, all would meet its long-termwhile telecommuting from goals for diverse hiring. over 30 different states. This 2020 Annual Report 6'