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The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) has funding available for Iowa businesses to obtain valuable student interns.  The Student Internship Program, headed by the IDED Innovation and Commercialization Division, aims to connect undergraduate students with existing and emerging biosciences, advanced manufacturing and information technology companies statewide.  Students from Iowa’s private and public colleges, community colleges and universities will benefit from the program.  Area companies interested in the program are invited to work with NIACC personnel to help locate their intern(s). 

“Keeping students in the state of Iowa after their college graduation is a key initiative.  My hope is that this program will not only keep students in Iowa, but keep them here in North Iowa,” Terry Schumaker, NIACC Career & Internship Center director, said.

Iowa-based companies with fewer than 500 employees, many of whom are employed within the state of Iowa, are eligible.  The company must be engaged in one of the targeted industries of biosciences, advanced manufacturing or information technology. 

Awards are available up to $3,100 for any single internship.  A company can apply for a maximum of three internships or a maximum $9,300 award per company.  Students hired as interns will be paid at least twice the minimum wage.  State officials believe internship programs can help retain Iowa students to the state by exposing them to job opportunities.

To learn more on the Innovation and Commercialization Internship Program or for an application, visit the Iowa Department of Economic Development website at: http://www.iowalifechanging.com/business/innov&comm.html.

For more information about participating in the NIACC Internship program, please contact Dana Heimbuch at 641-422-4238 or email heimbdan@niacc.edu. 

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