Statewide Internship Program Links North Dakota Students to the Workforce – Could this be emulated in your state?

North Dakota recently unveiled a statewide internship program, Operation: Intern, to assist students in obtaining valuable work experience and connections to the workforce. The program provides an online database of internship opportunities and support services to businesses who offer internship positions. Students must ensure that their specific higher education institution will accept the internship as college credit.

Contact: Sam Leiken
Social, Economic and Workforce Programs Division By Linda Hoffman

http://www.nga.org/center/frontAndCenter/1,1188,C_FRONT_CENTER%5ED_7337,00.html

The following tools are available to help link students to job opportunities and to help expand the number of internships available throughout the state.

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Online guides for employers on how to effectively develop and operate internship programs;

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CD tool kit describing benefits of internships to both employers and students; and

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Mentor Center to provide businesses with expertise needed to establish internship programs.

The program is a result of legislative efforts put forth by Governor John Hoeven in 2003 to increase the number of individuals who remain and pursue careers in North Dakota after graduation. The project is funded through the Governor’s set-aside funds from the Workforce Investment Act.

Operation: Intern is a partnership effort between the North Dakota Board of Higher Education, North Dakota University System, Department of Commerce, Youth Development Council, Workforce Development Council and other public and private institutions.
Related Links:

* Operation: Intern Website http://www.ndinterns.com/index.php