Emerging Talent Internship Program
Inclusively building the talent inroads to Michigan’s startup ecosystem
Launched in 2021, Michigan Founders Fund’s Emerging Talent Internship Program connects driven, underrepresented students with hands-on internship experience in tech and entrepreneurship. The program also helps startup companies strengthen their talent pipelines in tech roles with a lens towards inclusivity.
Since the program began:
- Nearly 80 students have received paid internships to help kickstart their careers in Michigan.
- 41 Michigan startups have participated in the program and bolstered their talent recruitment initiatives.
- More than a dozen post-secondary institutions represented across intern classes.
Program Goals
Create high-quality entryways for underrepresented students in tech:
- Offer students in postsecondary college or training programs (certification & bootcamp) a distinctive paid learning experience.
- Enhance students’ professional competencies, expand their networks, and provide exposure to founders and Michigan’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.
Foster access to all interested in tech:
- Facilitate growth opportunities for tech and startup companies to fortify comprehensive and inclusive talent initiatives through collaborative spaces and workshops.
- Make inroads into talent pipelines across the state that bolster the growth of innovation in Michigan.
Connecting Employers with Exceptional Talent
The Emerging Talent Internship Program makes it simple for you to connect with qualified internships and manage your internship program. Here’s how we do it:
- Simplified applications, hiring, and payroll through our partnership with Folio
- Employers are matched with pre-vetted, qualified candidates
- Up to 50% of wages are subsidized
- Employer training and support is included
This is a great opportunity to hire exceptional talent, strengthen your talent pipeline, and help build Michigan’s future workforce. The Michigan Founders Fund team will be with you each step of the way.
Program Timeline
April 2026
- Orientation: Interested in participating? After you register with Folio, you’ll be invited to attend either our Employer Orientation or Talent/Student Orientation where we’ll answer your questions and share more information about the program.
- Jobs posted: All internship opportunities will be posted on Folio.
- Talent matching: Folio will make introductions between qualified employers and students.
May 2026
- Offers made: Employers select their summer interns and Folio finalizes the job offers. Employers begin managing compensation and hours in Folio.
- Internship kick-off: Time to get to work! After candidates accept their offers and get started, hours are tracked in Folio with invoices sent bi-weekly via Stripe. Folio is available for support throughout the summer.
August 2026
- Program ends: Let’s celebrate the end of a great summer internship program!
Contact
Any program questions? Connect with us at [email protected].
Apply now for the 2026 program!
Interested in hiring or participating?
Interns gain paid opportunities with professional tech and entrepreneurship experiences to equip them to pursue careers as startup leaders and founders.
Hiring companies are trained and supported on how to be great employers and build their teams.
- Click the link below to visit Folio
- Create your account and set up your profile
- Employers will review a curated list of applicants from MFF
- Hire, onboard, and have a great summer!
5 Years of Impact
Over the past five years, the Michigan Founders Fund Emerging Talent Program has helped students launch their careers and expand their knowledge of next generation industries. Selected students explore in-demand tech roles as interns in robotics engineering, software development, revenue operations, growth strategy, and more.
These students are traditionally underrepresented in these fields and historically faced added barriers to entry. Our program participants are first generation college students, veterans, low-income households, individuals with disabilities, and marginalized gender, racial, and ethnic categories.
Learn more about our program participants over the years:
What last year’s interns had to say:
