Problems—and Solutions - Emily Glazer, Wall Street Journal

Although the nation's jobless rate remains high at 9.1%, demand for technical workers such as engineers continues to outpace supply at many companies. To attract top tech talent, some HR departments are taking their pitches to the classroom. To increase the number of students graduating with the skills it needs, SAS Institute Inc., a software company in Cary, N.C., helped create a master's program in analytics at nearby North Carolina State University through initial funding and curriculum guidance. Several SAS employees serve on the executive board that oversees the program. "We're trying to be very proactive in helping universities understand that this is a skill set that is needed," says Jenn Mann, vice president, human resources at SAS, which is working with other universities to start similar programs. SAS also sponsors a robust global intern program and may have as many as 300 college interns working at the company at any given time.