CIPCO Internship Program
CIPCO internships augment the academic programs of entrepreneurial students with experiential learning opportunities. This program provides funding for internships with small businesses, new ventures, economic development corporations, or other worthy programs.
These internships provide a cost-sharing opportunity for the employing company. This is done through the generous support of Central Iowa Power Cooperative. CIPCO provides funds to offset the cost of the internship to the business owner as detailed below. This financial incentive is especially important for new ventures and rural communities, both of which may have limited financial resources for the engagement of an intern. These internships are limited to Iowa-based companies, with a special emphasis toward companies in the CIPCO service territory.
NinjaU
What started as the first place winning idea pitched at the 2017 Cedar Valley StartUp Weekend has become a reality for Scott Behrends. The American Ninja Warrior inspired gym, NinjaU, held its grand opening in 2018 in Cedar Falls. As a start-up, the cost of equipping the facility tightened cash flow for Scott and that’s where the CIPCO Business Enhancement Internship program added great value to him by easing the burden of making his first payroll. Scott was approved to fund two interns studying in the field of Leisure, Youth, and Human Services for the fall of 2018 allowing the UNI students to receive hands-on training in their field of choice.
Try Pie
In December 2018 the mini pie baking sensation Try Pie opened in downtown Waterloo. Established as a nonprofit in 2014, the teens and their leaders had been operating out of a church kitchen, but a larger space was needed. What makes Try Pie unique is their mission to empower young girls by giving them the opportunity to work alongside peers and mentors. Their core values of financial stewardship, job skill development, faith development and reconciling community are projected onto the teens. Through working at Try Pie, teens are holistically prepared to pursue their goals as confident, contributing members of their community.
Pixel Labs
Pixel Labs was launched in 2014 by Zach Everman, a UNI alum who worked with the UNI JPEC as a student. After working in the industry, Zach returned to the Innovation Incubator to begin his entrepreneurial journey. Pixel Labs initially provided videography services and has grown to produce eminent, results-driven media within the social marketing sphere across the nation. Zach has taken full advantage of the CIPCO Business Enhancement Internship program over the years and, as a result of his strong mentoring and leadership style, four of his interns have launched their own creative production house businesses compounding the economic impact of CIPCO’s investment to this program.
The Experience
The companies will be required to provide a substantial learning experience for the intern. The work is to be semi-professional to professional in nature, preferably in the student’s area of expertise. Examples of substantial work experiences might include: development of a business plan, marketing plan, website, etc.; organization of a large event; research and development assistance of a new product; assistance with the company’s accounting, recordkeeping, etc.; assistance with a technical operation for the company; assistance in industrial technology, engineering, chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, etc.; and any other substantial learning experience. Internships should not include excessive supporting tasks such as photocopying, filing, lawn mowing, cleaning, food service, errand-running, etc. It is the responsibility of the business to find an intern. Interns must be a student at the University of Northern Iowa.
The opportunity to work for another student business through the CIPCO internship program introduced me to the idea of student-entrepreneurship and it led to lifelong lessons and friends. I started to see entrepreneurship as a very realistic path for my future and continued to leverage the JPEC, its staff, and its programs as I started a business, sold a business, and navigated the start of my career in the company that acquired us.
There are two options for students seeking internships through the CIPCO program. Preference will be given to undergraduate students for internship opportunities and businesses located in the R.J. McElroy Student business Incubator and UNI SBDC clients.
Employer / Employee Option
Interns are hired as employees of the business and the CIPCO program reimburses the company for half of the net wages paid based upon these business requirements.
Business Requirements
- Office cannot be an in-home location
- Completion of the Employer Application and submission before the deadline for the semester in which the business is applying for an intern.
Academic Credit Option
This option is only available for students who meet their major's department internship requirement. Interns receive $750 scholarships for their work. Business owners are strongly encouraged to match the $750 stipend. Students are responsible for any additional tuition costs for the credits.
Student Requirements
- Fulfill internship requirement established by their area of study
- Maintain student-status throughout duration of the internship
- Meet with JPEC team member for orientation
- Report to assigned JPEC team member every two weeks via email and once per month in person.
- Complete exit interview with assigned JPEC team member.
Take your business to the next level.
- Cost effective staffing option
- Students fulfill a role not being covered or pursued by the company
- Connection to technical expertise through UNI
- Potential to remain connected to the student
Round out your education.
- Career-building with real world experience
- Connection to the company work culture and economic development network
- Exposure and connection to future employers
- Option for course credit
Building a Better Iowa.
- Most students with intern experience in Iowa remain in Iowa after graduation
- Students with internships have more success obtaining professional employment
- Internships typically result in better salaries for students as they enter their profession
- Many interns return to work for their internship companies.
Take your business to the next level.
- Cost effective staffing option
- Students fulfill a role not being covered or pursued by the company
- Connection to technical expertise through UNI
- Potential to remain connected to the student
Round out your education.
- Career-building with real world experience
- Connection to the company work culture and economic development network
- Exposure and connection to future employers
- Option for course credit
Building a Better Iowa.
- Most students with intern experience in Iowa remain in Iowa after graduation
- Students with internships have more success obtaining professional employment
- Internships typically result in better salaries for students as they enter their profession
- Many interns return to work for their internship companies.