UND Center for Innovation & Grand Forks Region EDC partner on internship program
The University of North Dakota Center for Innovation and the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation jointly launched InternGF today. 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.
InternGF will contribute up to $3,500 to offset half an intern’s salary or payroll costs. The program will open opportunities for UND students within early stage and innovative organizations. Additionally, a portion of the funding will be used by EDC member organizations to fill gaps in available internships not routinely offered in our region.
“We know that students who have a local internship during their college experience are more likely to stay in the area after graduating,” said EDC President and CEO, Keith Lund. “The EDC has always held a vested interest in attracting and retaining top talent to support regional industry.”
UND’s Center for Innovation partnered in the program’s inception, providing funds to establish InternGF. Though Grand Forks has seen a recent surge in entrepreneurial activity, startups face financial barriers in creating internships.
“We are excited to be supporting this initiative to make it economically viable for startups and early stage companies to engage our students,” said UND Center for Innovation interim director Barry Horwitz.
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.
“This will not only provide wonderful learning experiences for UND students and innovative talent for area businesses, but will connect students more closely with Grand Forks in the process,” said UND President Mark Kennedy. “This will help UND enhance its role as the state’s chief opportunity engine.”
More information about program eligibility and targeted internship sectors can be in the InternGF Manual or by calling the EDC at 746.2720.