UND Center for Innovation & Grand Forks Region EDC partner to continue unique internship program
The University of North Dakota’s Center for Innovation and the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation opened applications for the second year of InternGF. 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 offers up to $3,500 to offset half an intern’s salary or payroll costs. Eligible applicants must be either an early-to-mid-stage startup or a member organization of the EDC who will offer an internship not routinely found in the greater Grand Forks region.
In 2018, the program funded 11 internships across a spectrum of fields including unmanned systems, engineering, health information technology and supply chain management.
“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.
“In today’s employment landscape, students must be equipped with 21st century skills.” said Center for Innovation director Amy Whitney. “InternGF students are faced with real-world challenges and must create innovative problem-solving solutions. We are preparing the workforce of the future with the skills to bring entrepreneurship into the workplace.”
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.