Operation Intern: North Dakota’s $5,000 Matching Grant Program to Expand Internships (2026–2027)

Attracting and retaining skilled workers is essential to meeting North Dakota’s current and future workforce needs. Internships play a critical role in helping students build real-world experience, connect with local businesses, and explore long-term career opportunities within the state.

To support this goal, the North Dakota Department of Commerce operates Operation Intern—a grant program designed to expand internships, work experiences, and apprenticeship positions with North Dakota employers.

What Is Operation Intern?

Operation Intern is a state-funded workforce development program that provides matching grant funds to North Dakota businesses that create new internship or apprenticeship opportunities.

The program focuses on:

• Developing in-demand talent

• Strengthening employer–student connections

• Encouraging students to build careers in North Dakota

Beginning with the 2025–2027 biennium (Program Year 2), funding becomes effective May 1, 2026.

Targeted Industries

The program prioritizes internships within North Dakota’s key economic sectors, including:

• Energy (renewable & non-renewable, including support services)

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Value-Added Agriculture

• Tourism

• Technology-Based Businesses

• Autonomous Systems (including uncrewed aircraft systems and related technologies)

Funding may also be awarded for other in-demand occupations, as defined by the Workforce Development Council.

Funding Details: How Much Can Employers Receive?

Eligible North Dakota businesses may receive:

• Up to $5,000 per intern or apprentice

• Maximum of 5 interns per funding round

• Up to $25,000 per funding round

• Up to $50,000 per biennium

💡 Funding is provided as a one-to-one match, meaning employers must match the grant amount with their own compensation or expenses.

Eligible Uses of Funds

Grant funding may be used for:

• Intern or apprentice wages

• Tools and equipment

• Essential training

• Tuition reimbursement

• Other qualifying compensation costs

Application Period & Key Dates

🗓 Application Opens:
February 3, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (CST)

Applications are accepted on the first Tuesday of February for each funding year and are reviewed in the order received until funding is fully obligated.

📌 Once a funding round is full, remaining applicants will be notified and may be placed on a waitlist.

Who Can Participate?

Employer Eligibility

To qualify, employers must:

• Be registered and in good standing with the North Dakota Secretary of State

• Operate within a qualifying industry or in-demand occupation

• Offer internships performed physically in North Dakota

🚫 Government entities are not eligible

✅ Nonprofits may qualify only for in-demand occupations

Student Eligibility

Employers must select students who are:

• Enrolled in a college or university (minimum 6 credits)

• OR a high school junior or senior

• OR enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program

Internship duties must align with the student’s field of study or career goals (except for high school students).

Internship Requirements

All internship or apprenticeship experiences must:

• Include defined learning objectives

• Relate to a specific project or workforce skill

• Support professional skill development

• Be conducted entirely in North Dakota

The employer is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and supervising the student.

Application & Review Process

• All applications must be submitted through the official portal

• Draft templates cannot be used for submission

• Applications are reviewed by:

  • Work-based Learning Program Coordinator

  • Director of Workforce Development, ND Department of Commerce

Once approved:

• Employers receive a Letter of Agreement

• Signed agreement must be returned within two weeks

• A Student Enrollment Form must be submitted before requesting funds

Unused funds may be released and reallocated to the second funding round.

Reimbursement & Reporting

Employers may request reimbursement:

• Monthly, or

• At the end of the internship

Required responsibilities include:

• Maintaining wage and enrollment documentation

• Submitting Requests for Funds via the portal

• Reporting early exits or full-time hires

⚠️ Failure to meet reporting requirements may impact future eligibility.

Approximately 10% of participating employers are audited annually.

Important Match Requirement

A one-to-one compensation match is required. Acceptable match examples include:

• Wages or stipends

• Tuition or fees

• Books

• Housing assistance

• Tools and equipment

Reimbursement occurs after work has been completed, per the Letter of Agreement.

Need Help?

For questions or assistance, contact:

Kerri Kraft
Work-based Learning Program Coordinator
📞 701-328-7263
📧 [email protected]

Why Operation Intern Matters

Operation Intern helps:

• Businesses grow talent pipelines

• Students gain paid, career-aligned experience

• North Dakota strengthen its long-term workforce

It’s a win for employers, students, and the state’s economy.

Visit Official Website To Apply

For more opportunities, click here.