Synchrony and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Celebrate Major Expansion as Emerging Technology Center Surpasses 400 Internships, Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

University Leaders Join Ceremony to Unveil Expanded Center to Train Students in Tech Skills of the Future 

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.) and Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a premier consumer financial services company, this week celebrated a major milestone: more than 400 U. of I. students have gained hands-on technology experience through Synchrony's internship program. At a ribbon cutting ceremony for the expanded Synchrony Emerging Technology Center in Research Park, university leaders, Synchrony executives, and students marked the opening of the nearly 11,000 square foot reimagined space dedicated to advancing innovation and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.

First opened in 2018, Synchrony's Emerging Technology Center (ETC) serves as a hub for collaboration between Synchrony and U. of I., advancing the company's finance and technology capabilities while equipping students with real-world skills in engineering, data science, analytics, human-centered design, and other emerging fields.

The expansion doubles the center's seat count and introduces new collaboration areas, including flexible huddle rooms, event spaces for town halls and networking, and a remodeled café. A commissioned mural from a local artist will pay tribute to both the state of Illinois and the university to uplift design in the heart of the space.

Through the ETC, interns partner year-round with Synchrony employees from more than 60 teams on projects that fuel business growth and enhance the customer experience. The center is a key talent pipeline, with dozens of interns accepting full time roles in areas such as technology, credit, analytics and more at Synchrony since the program began.

"The expansion of our Emerging Technology Center reflects the incredible talent of U. of I. students as well as the enduring strength of our partnership with the university," said Tim Christensen, CIO, Synchrony. "Together, we've built a model that both enhances Synchrony's innovation goals and provides students with opportunities to advance and grow technology skills. We are proud of the impact of this partnership and excited to grow this collaboration for years to come." 

"Synchrony has been a tremendous launchpad for students pursuing technological and analytical careers in consumer finance," said Dr. Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at U. of I. "The company demonstrates how to bridge academic research with industry applications, which is a win-win for our campus that puts so much emphasis on the value of experiential learning. We are so grateful for Synchrony's unwavering investment in our students and engagement in many campus programs."

Beyond internships, Synchrony and UIUC co-host events including hackathons, Datathons targeting students interested in the field of Data Science, and in-class lectures around topics like Generative AI, engineering, and credit modeling, strengthening a culture of innovation that benefits students, the university, and the company. 

This milestone builds on Synchrony's broader education initiatives worldwide, which aim to build pathways to financial credit access and financial mobility for Americans.

For more information about Synchrony's impact in Illinois and beyond, visit:  https://synchronyimpact.com. 

About Synchrony  

Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a leading consumer financing company at the heart of American commerce and opportunity. From health to home, auto to retail, our Synchrony products have been serving the needs of people and businesses for nearly 100 years. We provide responsible access to credit and banking products to support healthier financial lives for tens of millions of people, enabling them to access the things that matter to them. Additionally, through our innovative products and experiences, we support the growth and operations of some of the country's most respected brands, as well as more than 400,000 small and midsize businesses and health and wellness providers that Americans rely on. Synchrony is proud to be ranked as the country's #2 Best Company to Work For® by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work®. For more information, visit www.synchrony.com.  

Media Contacts

Tyler Allen
Synchrony
[email protected]

Laura Weisskopf Bleill 
University of Illinois Research Park 
[email protected]

SOURCE Synchrony Financial