2021 Venture Internship Applications Now Open

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Applications are now open for the spring 2021 Venture Intern Program, an internship that pairs undergraduate students with early-stage ventures, entrepreneurship support organizations, regional accelerator programs and investor networks across Northwest Arkansas for a semester.

Applications for interested students and organizations will be open beginning Wednesday, Oct. 21, and will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. 

The program includes a paid, 12-week assignment with a host organization, as well as supplemental training opportunities, cohort meetings and coaching/support from experienced mentors.   

This program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good standing from any discipline at the U of A with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher. Participating students must be eligible to enroll in a minimum of one hour of cooperative education credit in their respective colleges.  

Students should be prepared to wear many hats and maintain a high degree of professionalism and autonomy. In exchange, they can expect direct access to founders and an opportunity to play an essential role in a highly dynamic environment.

Alexis Barber, a biological engineering major and Venture Intern in spring 2020, said the program showed her how problem-solving leads to innovation.

"It's not a matter of 'if' but 'when' problems will arrive in the startup world," Barber said. "The Venture Internship Program has shown me that challenges can often inspire innovation and new opportunities, but only if you're willing to work for it."

The University of Arkansas  Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation launched the program in spring 2019 and has now provided 44 students exposure to the workings of early-stage ventures and the Northwest Arkansas entrepreneurial ecosystem. This interdisciplinary group of students, representing 23 different majors from 4 colleges, has supported over 30 startups and support organizations since the inception of the program. 

About the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship: The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation creates and curates innovation and entrepreneurship experiences for students across all disciplines. Through the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, McMillon Innovation Studio and Startup Village, OEI provides free workshops and programs — including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions, and startup coaching. OEI also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.