The Ohio government-sponsored Diversity and Inclusion Technology Internship Program is looking to help companies hire “diverse, young talent.” The program is sponsored by Ohio’s Department of Development and Tech Ohio, working with Ohio’s Third Frontier, that “works with innovative startup companies across the state, making Ohio the destination for technology entrepreneurs.”
The description of the program reads, “We’re encouraging diverse students to take advantage of this great opportunity!” While a Q&A says that “all ethnic backgrounds or heritages may apply,” it is unclear why the internship is titled “Diversity and Inclusion.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a tweet that this was a “great opportunity” for Ohio students.
A great opportunity for Ohio companies and college students. ⬇@OhioDevelopment and @TechOhioGov are now accepting applications for the Diversity & Inclusion Technology Internship program.
Learn more at https://t.co/AkqbN1G40Z #OhioWorks #TechOhio pic.twitter.com/7ErW0Xxn0j
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 17, 2021
According to a statement by the Ohio Manufacturers Association, the program is not as popular as it could be. They said that only 26 out of the 200 available internship positions within the program had been filled.
An overview of the program states that “companies get great young, diverse talent to help them compete and grow.” Under the program, companies that register can get reimbursed for intern wages up to $7,500. Companies are eligible to hire up to four interns from the program and receive reimbursement.
The internship program is part of Ohio’s Third Frontier initiative, which “provides access to essential business assistance, capital and talent resources.” According to the Third Frontier, “The Diversity & Inclusion Internship Program is intended to provide internship experiences to diverse students in technology and technology-enabled small business[es] across Ohio. The Ohio Development Services Agency seeks one or more qualified intermediary organization(s) to manage the curated deployment of student internships into Ohio early-stage companies.”
The Ohio Department of Development did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Ohio Star, asking why the internship fell into the diversity and inclusion category.
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Hayley Tschetter is a reporter with The Minnesota Sun | Star News Network. Follow Hayley on Twitter or like her Facebook page. Send news tips to [email protected].
