COLUMBUS — The state of Ohio is looking for companies that are interested in exporting their goods or services into international markets.

The Ohio Development Services Agency has offered a unique opportunity to team businesses committed to exporting with college students, called the Ohio Export Internship Program.

Students from 12 Ohio universities have been selected to participate in this year’s program. The goal of the internship is to help Ohio companies focus on increasing their global exports and train students in international business. Companies are provided a 50 percent reimbursement to offset the costs of intern wages.

“You don’t have to learn on your own,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. “Seventy percent of the world’s purchasing power is outside the U.S., and we can help you go after that to grow your business.”

The deadline for companies to apply is March 15. The 2016 internship program runs from May 16 through Aug. 12. Ohio companies can apply at eip.development.ohio.gov.

To learn more about the Ohio Export Internship Program, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqMSCEtu3lw.

In four years, 102 student-company matches have been created, resulting in more than $19 million in expected global sales and 17 full-time job offers. This program is a partnership of the Ohio Development Services Agency, Fisher College of Business at the Ohio State University and the Williams College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University.