InternGF Gains International Recognition for Unique Internships

Program offers diverse opportunities, from supply chain to unmanned aircraft systems, and is lauded for talent retention efforts.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The InternGF program, a partnership between the University of North Dakota's Center for Innovation and the Grand Forks Economic Development Corp., has seen a rise in unique internship opportunities for students as well as international recognition. The program provides funding to startups and employers to support internships and connect them with UND students, helping students understand how to become part of a community. InternGF has awarded 172 internships, created 130 positions, and had a total wage impact of $646,915. The program has been recognized by the International Economic Development Council and presented at a global entrepreneurship conference.

Why it matters

InternGF's success highlights Grand Forks' efforts to retain talent and support the local startup ecosystem. By offering diverse, hands-on internships, the program helps students explore career paths and community engagement, potentially encouraging them to stay in the region after graduation. The program's international recognition also showcases North Dakota's innovative spirit and ability to punch above its weight.

The details

InternGF provides funding to startups and established companies to create internships for UND students, covering wages and helping connect students to local opportunities. The program has supported a wide range of internships, from supply chain and unmanned aircraft systems to finance, engineering, and language translation. While summer has the most internships, the program aims to offer opportunities year-round. InternGF has been recognized for its talent retention efforts, receiving a bronze award from the International Economic Development Council.

  • InternGF closes applications for summer internships on March 1, 2026.
  • Summer internships through InternGF run from May 1 to August 31, 2026.

The players

University of North Dakota Center for Innovation

A center that partners with the Grand Forks Economic Development Corp. to run the InternGF program, providing funding and connecting students to internships.

Grand Forks Economic Development Corp.

A partner organization that works with the Center for Innovation on the InternGF program, helping to attract startups and employers to offer internships.

Amy Whitney

Director of the University of North Dakota's Center for Innovation, overseeing the InternGF program.

Becca Cruger

Director of economic development for the Grand Forks Economic Development Corp., involved in the InternGF program.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's one of those opportunities where the humbleness of North Dakota, we get to actually smile, stand up and be proud of the work we're doing. Sometimes we're often quiet in the work we do, the excellence we have, but it's OK to put us out there.”

— Amy Whitney, Director, University of North Dakota Center for Innovation (Grand Forks Herald)

“(InternGF) continues to be one that attracts new startups to help invest in their workforce and also some of our established companies think about how they can be innovative with their internships.”

— Becca Cruger, Director of Economic Development, Grand Forks Economic Development Corp. (Grand Forks Herald)

What’s next

The InternGF program plans to submit its work for recognition again this year, building on the international accolades it has already received.

The takeaway

InternGF's success in offering diverse, hands-on internships and its ability to attract startups and retain talent showcases North Dakota's innovative spirit and the power of community partnerships to support the next generation of workers and entrepreneurs.