FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 11/15/2024
Contact: Carrie Bendix
Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council
Southwest Minnesota’s counties are gearing up for another round of successful summer internships, offering college students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in their home communities. The programs, organized in partnership with the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), provide students with a unique opportunity to explore career paths in southwest Minnesota while earning up to $17 per hour for up to 29 hours per week. Internships are funded by the county commissioners of each participating county, showcasing their commitment to building a strong local workforce and retaining young talent.
Nobles County: A Third Successful Summer
The Nobles County Internship Program is entering its third summer after a highly successful start in 2023. The initiative began when former Commissioner Don Linssen, inspired by a similar program in Martin County, suggested launching an internship program tailored to local businesses. Under the leadership of County Administrator Bruce Heitkamp, Nobles County partnered with the PIC to bring the idea to fruition.
In its inaugural year, the program hosted 15 interns, giving both traditional and non-traditional students a chance to explore career opportunities in their community. One of the 2024 interns, Elizabeth, shared, “As a mother of two toddlers, this internship has provided me with the flexibility to balance my family responsibilities while working towards my degree. It has truly made a difference in my life and has set me on a path towards achieving my goals.”
Murray County: Continuing Success in Year Two
Murray County is gearing up for its second summer of internships after a promising launch in 2024. Inspired by neighboring counties, Commissioner Dave Thiner initially brought the idea to the County Administrator several years ago. While funding was not initially available, the county utilized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to make the program a reality, allocating $115,000 for 15 internship positions over three years.
In 2024, the partnership with the PIC enabled 7 college students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields, from healthcare to social services. Andrea, an intern from Southwest Health and Human Services, expressed her gratitude: “This internship has reinforced my passion for social work and my commitment to serving the Southwest Minnesota community. It’s an opportunity I’m incredibly grateful for.”
Swift County: A New Beginning
Swift County will be launching its inaugural summer internship program this year, focusing on placing college students who are Swift County residents in local roles. The county’s decision to join Nobles and Murray in offering these career-building opportunities highlights a regional commitment to retaining talent and building a robust local economy.
Supporting Quotes from PIC Leadership
Carrie Bendix, Executive Director of the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, emphasized the importance of these programs: “The Summer Internship Programs are a testament to what happens when local government, businesses, education and nonprofit organizations collaborate. We’re giving students the tools to succeed and helping to retain the workforce that will drive the future of southwest Minnesota.”
Maria Peters, Youth Program Manager at the PIC, also highlighted the value of the internships: “These programs do more than just provide job experience—they build connections, offer career clarity, and help young adults find their place in our communities. We’re proud to be part of this journey for so many students.”
Looking Forward: Applications Open for 2025
With the continued success of the internship programs in Nobles and Murray Counties and the new opportunities in Swift County, the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Summer Internship Programs. College students interested in gaining valuable work experience in their home communities are encouraged to apply. Local businesses seeking to host interns are also invited to participate.
To apply or to learn more, students and businesses should visit the Summer Internship Program webpage.
For more information on the Southwest Minnesota Summer Internship Programs, please contact Maria Peters at [email protected] or visit www.swmnpic.org
About Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council
The Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC) is dedicated to workforce development across the region, helping individuals and businesses connect and thrive. By offering career training, support, and resources, the PIC fosters a stronger and more sustainable workforce for the future.
Click on the images above to download the 2025 Summer Internship flyers or visit the Summer Internship Program webpage.