Applications open for Summer 2026 Regional Intern Immersion Program
GRAND FORKS – Applications for the 2026 InternGF Summer Cohort Series opened on April 1. This summer event series allows students to network, explore the “cooler culture” of the Grand Forks region, connect with fellow young professionals, and imagine a future for themselves in greater Grand Forks.
The program is open to all interns and University of North Dakota (UND) teaching/research assistants. Businesses and employers are encouraged to share the opportunity with their summer interns and have them apply by May 31 at GrandForks.org/interngf-summer.
The summer program connects interns through six different sessions from June through August. Each session has different learning outcomes and connection points to the Grand Forks region.
The sessions kick off with an immersive introduction to the community through a downtown walking tour and an introduction to local leaders. They continue through volunteering activities with the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals, tours of local businesses driving the local economy, private tours and hands-on instruction at the diverse arts and entertainment hubs, and a sports and recreation day featuring the opportunity to kayak on the iconic Red River of the North.
The series concludes with a special dinner and graduation ceremony at Skies 322, where interns gain firsthand exposure to professional dining etiquette and put their newly developed networking skills to the test alongside local business and community leaders. Participants will share reflections about their experience through a special program, offering employers and community stakeholders a window into the next generation of regional talent.
“Programs like the InternGF Summer Cohort help interns feel connected to the community while they build professional skills,” said Steffanie Young of the UND Experiential Learning Center. “By bringing interns together across organizations, the program creates a supportive network that helps students grow personally and professionally, as well as to see the potential of building a future in the region.”
The InternGF Summer Cohort Series was launched in 2024 and is a companion initiative to the broader InternGF program, which provides funds to offset the costs of an intern’s wages. The program operates separately, focusing on community integration and professional development rather than funding support.
The program is led by UND’s Center for Innovation, UND’s Experiential Learning Center and the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC). It is made free to participants through partial grant funding from the Knight Foundation’s Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and Region, and financial support from the leading organizations.
Applications are open now through May 31. A review committee will screen submissions and notify applicants of their acceptance into the program shortly after the deadline. To learn more about the program, visit GrandForks.org/interngf-summer.
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About the UND Center for Innovation
The mission of the Center for Innovation is to advance the creation and development of innovative ideas, services, and businesses. The UND Center for Innovation focuses on commercialization of new ventures, operates an entrepreneurial incubator that provides space for innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers, and helps founders secure access to capital to ultimately encourage economic development in the state of North Dakota and the Northern Plains.
About the UND Experiential Learning Center
The UND Experiential Learning Center (ELC) is a location for students to learn about all of the work integrated learning opportunities available to them. These opportunities will prepare students for current and emerging careers. ELC works to foster a welcoming and inclusive university community on-campus and online so all learners have the opportunity and support to realize their full potential.
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.
Contact Information
Becca Cruger, director of Workforce Development
Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation
Beccac@grandforks.org | O: 701.738.0009 | C: 701.739.9895
