The Walton Family Foundation has awarded a $518,000 grant to the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation for its Venture Intern Program.
This program, established in 2019, connects undergraduate students at the University of Arkansas with early-stage companies. According to the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, more than 60 students have benefitted from the program, gaining insight into early-stage ventures and the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As a result of the grant, the Venture Intern Program will be expanded, enabling 90 student interns each year to participate. Students participate in a 12-week program, partnered with a startup or entrepreneur organization. The students also receive training and coaching.
The grant will support the Venture Intern Program through 2023.
“Students want to experience the workings of early-stage companies and startup environments. And these organizations need access to talented student interns to increase their head count and ability to execute,” Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation director Deb Williams said in a statement.
To be eligible for the program, students must be juniors or seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applications for the program are open and due by July 2.
Applications are available here.
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