Purdue seeking high-tech startups to participate in Interns for Indiana program

February 21, 2014  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University is recruiting high-tech startup and second-stage companies to participate in the Interns for Indiana program. 

Led by the Discovery Learning Research Center in Discovery Park, the Interns for Indiana program connects Indiana startup companies to high-quality undergraduate student interns. Interns are assigned to companies based on the potential quality experience for students, the opportunity for student on-the-job growth and future employment, and on company needs.

Interns for Indiana, known as IFI, is partially funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Participating companies are required to provide a $2,000 membership fee to help cover a portion of student and program costs.

Startups accepted into the Interns for Indiana program are matched with Purdue juniors and seniors who work a minimum of 400 hours during the summer session, and who receive a stipend of $4,500 for successful participation.

"Experience has shown that pairing high-quality Purdue student interns with start-up companies can accelerate company growth while providing students with valuable educational experiences," said Monica Shively, statewide Interns for Indiana coordinator.

Participating students and companies are recognized each July in a celebration luncheon and poster session at Purdue's Hall for Discovery and Learning Research in West Lafayette. The event is designed to give participants a greater understanding of the program's scope and statewide impacts.

The deadline for startups to apply for summer 2014 interns is March 10 through the Interns for Indiana website, www.purdue.edu/dpifi. For more information, contact Shively at 765-496-1617, shivelmm@purdue.edu.

Companies wishing to participate in the Interns for Indiana program must meet the following requirements:

* High-tech startup or second-stage company.

* For profit.

* Able to define and manage an appropriate and challenging internship experience.

* Able to provide entrepreneurial experience through regular internship experience.

* Able to contribute $2,000 membership fee.

* Located in Indiana near Purdue's West Lafayette, Calumet, North Central or Fort Wayne campus.

Students in the program must be:

* Purdue juniors and seniors enrolled in their first bachelor's of arts or science degree program at the West Lafayette or regional campuses.

* From any undergraduate major.

* Interested in entrepreneurship.

* Minimum 2.8 GPA.

Launched in 2004, Interns for Indiana aims to provide high-quality students with valuable, hands-on experiences while stimulating company growth. The program has drawn more than 550 students from a broad range of majors and placed them in internships with more than 185 Indiana startups and second-stage companies.

In addition, the program enhances the state's workforce and economic development by encouraging Indiana's brightest graduates to seek in-state employment and supporting those high-tech startup companies. More than 27 percent of students have been hired by their internship company, and the program's alumni have started at least 18 companies. 

Writers: Brooke Fruits, bfruits@purdue.edu

Phillip Fiorini, 765-496-3133, pfiorini@purdue.edu 

Source: Monica Shively, 765-496-1617, shivelmm@purdue.edu

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