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MFF Emerging Talent Program

Michigan Founders Fund
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Program Overview

The MFF Emerging Talent Program is designed to provide socially and economically marginalized (SEMI) postsecondary college or training program (certification & Bootcamp) students a one-of-a-kind learning experience that will elevate their professional competencies, expand their professional networks and help them gain exposure to Michigan’s vastly growing startup ecosystem.

Those selected will… 

  1. Participate in skill-building workshops and mentorship opportunities
  2. Be invited to network with and learn about high-growth startups
  3. Have the chance to interview with and secure a paid summer internship with a Michigan startup.

*Note: The training program will be virtual, and the summer internship will be hybrid

This internship is intended for Michigan higher education students who are underrepresented in the tech industry. 

Landing an internship can be tricky, especially if you are new to the industry and trying to get a foot in the door. As Michigan's high-growth startup ecosystem continues to grow, the talent within this community is often disproportionate to the diversity found across the state. To create an ecosystem that reflects our state, the MFF Emerging Talent Program aims to help SEMI students access the industry by providing career development opportunities, network growth, and, potentially, a summer internship. 

Applicants must be part of a socially and economically marginalized community to be considered for this program and be part of at least one of the following identity groups:

  • Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC)
  • Women, gender non-conforming, or nonbinary
  • Member of the LGBTQ+ community
  • Disabled
  • PELL-eligible or low-income
  • First-generation immigrant refugee
  • First-generation college student
  • Veteran

So that you know, preference may be given to candidates who are part of multiple socially and economically marginalized groups.

Applicants must also:

  • Be actively enrolled as an undergraduate in a two-year community college program, a four-university program, a certification program, and/or a boot camp program in Michigan
    • Eligible candidates must not have completed their program more than six months before the start of the internship
  • Be a permanent Michigan resident
  • 18 years or older by May 2024
  • Participate in all four required virtual workshops in March and April
  • Have an interest in growing their career in Michigan startups and tech companies.
  • Be to work at least 20 hours per week virtually and/or in person (depending on the hiring company) for the internship duration

Program participants who complete the program can apply for paid summer internships at Michigan startups in May, with most internships running from June to August. 

Applicants are encouraged to participate in an Info Session and review the application before applying. View the application here.  

  • The virtual informational session will take place February 6 at 4 pm (register here). 

Applicants must be submitted by 11:59 pm on February 11. Contact community@michiganfoundersfund.org with questions.

The 2024 MFF Emerging Talent Program offers a comprehensive programming experience aimed at helping students secure paid summer internships with startups in Michigan. Here's a simplified overview:

Part One (March 6 - May 3): 

  • Students will engage in four skill-enhancing workshops to prepare them for interviews with Michigan startups.
    • Participation in at least three workshops is required to be eligible for the program.
  • Midway through the workshops (April 1), we will share student resumes with potential employers for review and interview selection.
  • Employers will contact selected candidates from April 1 to May 3 to initiate the interview process and discuss potential internship offers. 
    • Note that not all candidates will secure an interview or internship position.

Recognition for Participants:

  • All participants, regardless of whether they secure an internship, will receive an MFF badge of completion, a letter of recommendation from MFF, and the chance to have a professional headshot taken.

Part Two Summer Internship (May 20-August 23):

  • Selected candidates will join a summer internship program with Michigan startups from May 20 to August 23. The exact start date may vary depending on the employer's needs.
  • We advise employers to offer a 10-12 week internship aligned with our program to maximize the learning experience for students.
  • During the summer, MFF will provide monthly workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities for interns.
     

For more information on the experiences of last year's interns and their companies, click here.

This program is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain practical skills, valuable work experience, and professional connections within Michigan's startup ecosystem.

Apply online by March 1: https://michiganfoundersfund.org/internship-program/