The University of North Dakota’s Center for Innovation and the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation opened applications for second cycle of the fourth year of InternGF on Tuesday, June 15. This cycle will fund internships happening during Fall 2021 semester, August 23 to December 17. The program is designed to increase the number of local internship offerings, aiding employers’ workforce recruitment and retention efforts by introducing UND students to career and entrepreneurial opportunities in the greater Grand Forks region. The InternGF manual for 2021 has more detailed information on the program.
InternGF offers up to $3,500 to offset an intern’s salary. Employers can apply for up to two internships per year. Eligible applicants must be an early-to-mid-stage startup or a member organization of the EDC that can offer an internship not routinely found in the greater Grand Forks region. Startup companies are eligible for a match of 50% and EDC member companies are eligible for a match of 33%.
Since launching in 2018, the program has funded 50 internships across a spectrum of fields including unmanned systems, engineering, health information technology, and supply chain management.
“We continue to have an increased number of applicants which is promising for the future workforce of our region,” said EDC President and CEO, Keith Lund. “Our partnership with UND helps our member companies tap into the workforce pipeline and the wealth of talent available in students.”
UND’s Center for Innovation partnered in the program’s inception, providing funds to establish InternGF.
“This program continues to be successful for all parties involved,” said Center for Innovation director Amy Whitney. “Students are gaining hands-on experience and employers are gaining access to talent from UND.”
InternGF aligns with the One UND Strategic Plan’s charge to provide experiential learning opportunities for its students, creating a talented and experienced pool of graduates who have the skills employers demand. To apply, please visit www.grandforks.org/InternGF