Science & Technology Authority Awards Grant for Internship Program

By News Team
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Tue, Nov 22nd, 2011
Posted in State of Minnesota

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The Minnesota Science & Technology Authority (MnSTA) has awarded a $129,000 grant to the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) to administer internships for 40 college students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines under a new program called SciTechsperience.

"The Minnesota High Tech Association's experience in working with science and technology initiatives makes it a wonderful partner to implement SciTechsperience," said Betsy Lulfs, executive director of the Minnesota Science & Technology Authority. "We are excited to be working with them on this new opportunity to retain Minnesota's young talent."

The MHTA with its foundation manages a scholarship program for corporate partners and a summer research education program at 3M for high school and middle school teachers. In addition, MHTA is also involved in the development of a portal with internship resources.

"Minnesota's prosperity depends greatly on a reliable pipeline of highly skilled workers ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow," said MHTA President and CEO Margaret Anderson Kelliher. "Once interns get started on projects, they help increase productivity and often bring with them fresh perspectives and cutting-edge skills."

College students who become interns will receive a paid work experience at STEM-based businesses statewide with potential for full-time employment. Businesses which hire interns will receive matching dollars up to $2,500 for wages paid. To be eligible, businesses must have fewer than 100 employees.

MHTA will work in cooperation with their partnering organizations in order to maximize the quantity and quality of services delivered to businesses in the Twin Cities and around the state. The program is set to begin in early 2012.

SciTechsperience was established by the Minnesota Science & Technology Authority in 2011 to offer college students in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines the opportunity to experience first-hand the operations of businesses. The program is designed to expand a pool of talent to support Minnesota companies commercializing new technology, products and processes.

The Minnesota Science & Technology Authority represents a new model for enhancing economic development initiatives that will stimulate innovation and encourage investment in technology, businesses and talent throughout the state. The MnSTA bridges science and technology businesses and nonprofit organizations with funding, resources and counsel to enhance economic vitality and promote product commercialization and business development in Minnesota. A recent survey cited retention of young talent as being a priority for businesses throughout the state. For more information about the Minnesota Science & Technology Authority, visit www.mnscienceandtechnologyauthority.org.

For more information about SciTechsperience contact Andrew Wittenborg, director of communications at the Minnesota High Tech Association, 952-230-4557 or awittenborg@mhta.org; or Betsy Lulfs, executive director of the Minnesota Science & Technology Authority, 651-259-7441 or Betsy.Lulfs@state.mn.us.

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