GRAND FORKS, N.D. – InternGF, presented by the University of North Dakota’s Center for Innovation and the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, has opened open applications for its next funding cycle on Thursday, June 1. This cycle will fund internships happening during the University of North Dakota’s fall 2023 semester, August 1 – December 31. 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. To learn more and apply for InternGF, please visit grandforks.org/interngf
“Helping businesses understand the importance of internships has been one of the best parts of my job,” said EDC Director of Workforce Development Becca Cruger. “Seeing talented students become talented employees and stay in the region because of their internship experiences has been so rewarding.”
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%.
UND’s Center for Innovation partnered in the program’s inception, providing funds to establish InternGF. Since launching in 2018, the program has funded 91 internships across a spectrum of fields including unmanned systems, engineering, health information technology, and supply chain management.
“We are always looking for ways to set students up for success,” said Center for Innovation Director Amy Whitney. “Internships provide valuable experiences that help students gain the skills needed to land jobs after graduation. We also connect them with a Center for Innovation team member to help them think about how to maximize their internship experience, and how to translate learned skills onto their resumes.”
Funds are awarded on a rolling basis with a priority review deadline of July 1 for the fall 2023 semester. Find more detailed information about InternGF at grandforks.org/InternGF including the InternGF manual for 2023, and the 2023 application form for employers to fill out.
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About Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation
The Grand Forks Region EDC works collaboratively to foster an environment that attracts innovative people and business investment to Grand Forks County and the surrounding region, enhancing economic vitality for long-term prosperity and growth.
About the University of North Dakota Center for Innovation
The University of North Dakota (UND) Center for Innovation is an entrepreneurial incubator. Its vision is to be the principal leader guiding innovation in the Northern Plains. The Center works as a collaborative partner in the vibrant entrepreneur ecosystem in Grand Forks, across North Dakota, and as part of LEADS UND Strategic Plan.