OPERATION INTERN PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
- The program provides matching funds to support the expansion of internships and work experience opportunities with North Dakota employers in target industries and within the Federal Executive Branch for postsecondary students enrolled in a course of study at a North Dakota school.
- Program funds are to be used to expand new internships and work experience opportunities with employers who have not previously had an internship or work experience program or with employers who are expanding the number of internships and/or work experience opportunities they have had in the past.
- Program funding will not be used to supplant funding for internships or work experience opportunities.
- A private sector match requirement of 50% or more of the wage or stipend will be required.
- The program match will be provided to cover internship or work experience wage and/or stipends.
- Matching funds under this program is limited to a maximum of $3,000 per student intern per year. Each student intern can participate in the match program for up to two years.
- Federal Executive Branch Internships are supported up to a maximum of $5,000 per year per Intern.
PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY METRICS:
The effectiveness of the Operation Intern Program will be evaluated based on the following:
- Increased number of North Dakota businesses supporting credit and non credit internships and/or work experience programs.
- Increased number of North Dakota business who has expanded the number of internship or work experience opportunities.
A student follow up will be conducted at intervals to determine successful placement in employment: a. With the business who provided the internship or work experience opportunity;
b. With another Target Industry Business in North Dakota; and
c. Retention of participants in jobs within North Dakota.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications will be accepted by the ND Department of Commerce during regular working hours. Applications can be submitted online at http://www.workforce.nd.gov/programs/operation-intern/information-for-businesses/ or to the following address:
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Attention: Internship/Work Experience Program
1600 East Century Avenue, Suite 2
P.O. Box 2057
Bismarck, ND 58502-2057
Phone: 701-328-5383
Fax: 701-328-5320
OPERATION INTERN BACKGROUND:
Employers and students participating in Operation Intern will be required to submit applications to the Commerce, Division of Workforce Development.
Operation Intern requires sponsoring employers and businesses to treat interns as they would any trained and qualified professional staff member. Interns should observe the same work rules as other staff members, attend staff meetings as appropriate to a beginning professional, carry out work assignments productively and efficiently, and accept supervision.
Sponsoring employers and businesses are expected to provide ample opportunities for students to exercise independent professional judgment and decision-making responsibilities. Students should not be excused from performing routine tasks associated with the work, but they should be challenged by important and useful projects.
In order to accomplish these objectives, the student/Intern needs to experience day-to-day operations under the direct supervision of an experienced professional within the organization. The intern must assume professional-level responsibilities and become involved in a major project during the internship period.
FUNDING ASSISTANCE:
Under the "Operation Intern Program", the ND Department of Commerce will provide matching funds to eligible employers equal to 50% of the wage or stipend paid to each student enrolled in a new intern or work experience position created. This reimbursement will not exceed $3,000 per year per student. The matching funds provided under this program for new internship or work experience positions created will be limited to two years.
All internships under the Operation Intern must be approved by the Commerce, Division of Workforce Development prior the start date. A formal contract stipulating the nature and objectives of the internship experience must be completed and signed by the business or employer, the proposed internship supervisor, and the Director of the Workforce Development Division.
Verification of wage and stipends paid to and on behalf of the intern or work experience participant will be verified prior to reimbursement of funds under the Operation Intern Program.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Employers or businesses interested in participating in "Operation Intern" will be required to submit an application to the ND Dept. of Commerce using the attached application cover page and application outline.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY POSTINGS:
Internship and Work Experience Opportunities can be posted on www.TeamND.org. TeamND is an easy to use system that provides a single point of entry to allow employers with internship or work experience opportunities to connect with students seeking these opportunities.
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