How PrePair Works

A simple, educational framework connecting college students with local small businesses for meaningful project experiences.

The Ground Floor Before Internships

PrePair bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional experience. We connect college students with local small businesses for short-term, unpaid, educational projects that provide real-world experience while helping businesses tackle marketing, design, and operations challenges.

🎓

Educational Focus

All projects are designed for learning, with students as primary beneficiaries

🏢

Local Businesses

Small businesses get help with real challenges while supporting student development

⏱️

Short-Term Projects

2-8 week projects that fit around academic schedules and provide portfolio pieces

The Process

A clear path from enrollment to experience

For Students

1

Subscribe & Create Profile

Pay $2/month to access projects. Complete your academic and skills profile.

2

Browse Projects

View vetted projects from local small businesses that match your field of study.

3

Apply & Connect

Submit your application. If selected, attend a brief intro meeting with the business.

4

Complete Project

Work on the project with business mentorship. Add completed work to your portfolio.

For Businesses

1

Subscribe & Post Projects

Pay $20/month to access students. Post short-term projects with clear deliverables.

2

Review Applications

See matched student profiles and select the best fit for your project needs.

3

Onboard Student

Brief intro meeting to explain project goals, timeline, and expectations.

4

Mentor & Receive Work

Provide guidance throughout the project and receive completed deliverables.

Types of Projects

Real work that builds skills and helps businesses grow

📱

Social Media & Marketing

Create Instagram content, write blog posts, design marketing materials, conduct market research.

Content Creation Brand Design Social Strategy
💼

Business Operations

Streamline processes, create training materials, analyze customer data, improve workflows.

Process Design Data Analysis Documentation
🎨

Design & Development

Build websites, create visual assets, design user experiences, develop digital tools.

Web Design Graphics UX/UI

Educational Framework

Designed for student development and learning

Core Principles

Student as Primary Beneficiary

All projects are structured so students gain the most value through learning and experience.

Clear Educational Goals

Every project includes learning objectives and skill development opportunities.

Meaningful Mentorship

Business owners provide guidance, feedback, and real-world insights throughout the project.

Portfolio Development

Students create tangible deliverables they can showcase in future applications.

Why This Approach Works

For Students

  • Gain real-world experience in their field
  • Build a portfolio of professional work
  • Receive mentorship from business owners
  • Develop practical skills outside the classroom
  • Perfect for international students (educational, unpaid)

For Businesses

  • Get fresh perspectives on business challenges
  • Access motivated, educated talent
  • Complete projects without full-time hiring
  • Support local student development
  • Test potential future employees

Ready to Start?

Join the PrePair community and connect education with opportunity.

Students

Build real experience with local businesses

$2/month

Get Started

Businesses

Get help from motivated college students

$20/month

Post Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are projects unpaid?

Projects are educational experiences where students are the primary beneficiaries. This framework ensures compliance with educational guidelines and makes the program accessible to international students.

How long are projects?

Most projects run 2-8 weeks and require 5-15 hours per week, designed to fit around academic schedules while providing substantial experience.

What kind of support do students get?

Students receive mentorship from business owners, project guidance, and portfolio development support. Each project includes clear learning objectives.

How are students and projects matched?

We match based on academic background, skills, interests, location preferences, and project requirements to ensure good fits for both parties.

What if a project doesn't work out?

We provide support to resolve issues and can facilitate project transitions when necessary. Clear expectations and communication prevent most problems.

Can students work on multiple projects?

Yes, students can take on multiple projects over time, but we recommend focusing on one project at a time for the best learning experience.