The search for summer internships can be long, tedious and confusing, but a new Web site may simplify the process for finding opportunities in central Pennsylvania.

InternsPlus (www.internsplus.com) is a new site where students can post their résumés, and employers can list openings for on-the-job experience in 11 counties. Various central Pennsylvania universities, including Bucknell University, Lock Haven University and Penn State, sponsor the program.

Steve Kusheloff, spokesman for SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), said the system is free for both students and employers. It was created from the Stay Invent the Future Program in Pennsylvania that encourages those educated in the state to remain after graduation to live and work.

SEDA-COG is a regional agency that provides leadership, expertise and services to communities and residents.

"The trend of students moving out of state after graduating has become an increasing concern," Kusheloff said. "We are trying to attract current Pennsylvania residents, as well as out-of-state students who attend school here, to stay here to find a job."

Scott Duncan, project leader for Central Pennsylvania Forum for the Future, said InternsPlus is comparable to sites like Monster.com, but the focus of this new site is to set up students with local internships or volunteer experience instead of full-time jobs.

"We've gotten a positive response since we started this about three weeks ago," Duncan said. "The site is designed to be as user-friendly as possible for better convenience."

Kusheloff said the site is not only for businesses, but for non-profit organizations and government agencies as well.

"The whole program is geared towards young people in general," he said. "It is a valuable tool for those looking for experience."

Some Penn State students said this service might help them with their search.

"Even though I don't need an internship for my major, it could help me if I decide to get one," Elizabeth Huber (junior-animal science) said.

Amanda Cole (senior-English) said although she did not know about the Web site, she will definitely check it out.

"It sounds like it could be very helpful," she said. "I'm really glad I found out about it."