INFORMATION SESSION RECORDING
For Employers
Interested in learning more about the program you apply? Check out this recording of a previous information session.
HIRING SPRING OR SUMMER INTERNS?
We’ll find the students — and help pay them, too!
Access to a tailored Prospect List filled with quality internship candidates sourced from local colleges and universities that continuously updates as additional students apply for your roles
Guidance for hiring international students through Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Up to two (2), post-internship, 50% intern wage reimbursements (max of $2,500 each). An additional 25% wage reimbursement (up to $1,250) may be awarded to companies who hire candidates from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM fields (Women, Black, Latinx, International Students, etc.) or who re-hire former LIFT Initiative Interns
Several Summer Professional Development and Networking Events that your interns can attend to enrich their internship experience
ELIGIBILITY
Company Requirements
In order to receive intern wage subsidies as part of this program, employers must comply with the following eligibility requirements, as defined by the grant supporting this initiative:
- Company must be a for-profit organization or hospital network located within Elkhart, Marshall, or St. Joseph County. Preference given to companies operating within sectors related to manufacturing, logistics, and technology
- Company must hire for internships in Occupational Pathways such as Data Science, Engineering, IT, Product Design, Software Development, Supply Chain, Technology, or other related fields. Preference given to project-based internships where no more than 20% of responsibilities would be considered clerical/administrative
- Company must compensate interns at least $15/hour for a minimum of 300 internship hours over at least 8 weeks between January and August
- For in-person, summer interns only: Company should encourage intern attendance at Digital Skills Accelerators at local colleges, as well as a minimum of 3 LIFT Network Internship Program events between May and August
HOW IT WORKS
Program Timeline
Submit Application
After attending information sessions to learn about the program, employers submit an application, including internship job description(s).
Sign MOU and Receive Prospect List
Approved employers execute an MOU, participate in a hiring process training session, and receive access to a tailored Prospect List of applicants sourced from regional colleges and universities.
Interview and Hire Candidates
Employers conduct candidate interviews, sourcing leads from their tailored LIFT Network Internship Program Prospect List or from their own recruiting efforts. Once an intern is hired, the employer sends intern information to the LIFT Network via a Hiring Form.
Host Internships
Employers manage intern projects while encouraging intern attendance at LIFT Network Internship Program Professional Development and Networking Events.
Process Wage Reimbursements
Once an internship is completed, employers submit a Post-Internship Survey and an Hours Reporting Log to the LIFT Network to begin the wage reimbursement process.
CONTACT AND CONSIDERATIONS

MORE INFORMATION
Related Links
THANK YOU
To our Program Partners