Are you a North Dakota business interested in hiring a STEM intern this summer? The ND EPSCoR STTAR program might be for you.
The Students in Technology Transfer and Research (STTAR) program provides upper-division students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with an opportunity to use their academic training and experience to address the most challenging science and technology-based problems faced by North Dakota companies. The primary emphasis of STTAR is on research and development rather than sales and marketing. ND EPSCoR cost-shares the student wage at $7.50 per hour. Interns must be paid a minimum wage of $15 per hour. Businesses are to identify, recruit, and hire their student interns.
About STTAR
ND EPSCoR established the STTAR program in 1994 in response to recognized state and national needs for increased technology transfer from universities to industry. Since that time, over 100 North Dakota companies from across the state have participated in this highly successful program.
Eligibility
Business eligibility
The North Dakota business enterprise does not have to be a technology company to be eligible for assistance. However, the research effort or specific problem to be addressed must have its foundation in STEM. To participate, companies must demonstrate that students will use their science and technology education and experience to: 1) make significant contributions to company performance, 2) contribute to new product/process development, and/or 3) advance company’s technology transfer activities including intellectual property protection and commercialization.
Student eligibility
Participating students must be U.S. citizens or be eligible to work in the United States and be at least sophomore status (by credits earned) and enrolled at:
North Dakota University System institution;
North Dakota Tribal College System institution; or
Other colleges and universities, if a North Dakota resident.
Salaries/cost sharing
STTAR cost-share is $7.50/hour. Wage for the intern must be a minimum $15/hour. Maximum summer program award per intern from ND EPSCoR is $3,600. Reimbursement for internships must occur between May 1, 2025 through August 31, 2025 for a minimum of eight (8) weeks. Allocation of positions is based on the availability of funds.
Please note that competitive salaries for technically-trained students generally exceed $15 per hour, based on cooperative education salary data.
Deadlines
February 28, 2025: Last day to submit the Students in Technology Transfer and Research (STTAR) Business Application Form via NDSU Submission Portal. A guide for accessing the NDSU Submission Portal can be found here.
May 6, 2025: Company signed contracts returned to NDSU.
August 31, 2025: Companies and students provide final reports submitted via NDSU Submission Portal.
September 15, 2025: Companies final invoice must be submitted.
Questions
Please email ndepscor@ndus.edu with questions about the STTAR program and how to participate.