HARRISONBURG, Va. – L-3 Communications/SYColeman, a leading provider of communications support and services, is establishing an internship program with James Madison University to advance learning in the field of interactive media.

The internship program will provide students in JMU's School of Media and Design with valuable experience by working on projects to support SYColeman's diverse group of clients. In addition to providing advancement opportunities for SMAD students, the partnership will offer research and consulting opportunities for JMU faculty. Current SYColeman employees will serve as mentors for SMAD interns and support the partnership through campus speaking engagements and online forums. The goal for the interactive partnership is to identify and employ new communications trends and technologies.

In kicking off the partnership, SYColeman has provided JMU a $1,000 award to fund the inaugural SYColeman Interactive Media Scholarship. This scholarship will support a rising senior preparing for a career in interactive media. The SYColeman scholarship will be awarded based on the student's commitment to new and interactive media, academics and financial need. The first scholarship will be presented in spring 2008.

The concept for the partnership was developed by two former SMAD students and current SYColeman employees, Jonathan McNamara and Brian King. In recent years, SYColeman has established a successful informal recruiting relationship with JMU, with 12 former SMAD students currently working in a variety of positions throughout the company. In highlighting the new partnership, Jared L. Bates, president of SYColeman, said, "SYColeman has always been committed to innovation and learning. By establishing this partnership with JMU, we will be able to help grow future communicators and identify new ways to better serve our clients."

For information about L-3 Communications and SYColeman, check the company's Web site at http://www.sycoleman.com.