MnTAP is currently accepting student applications for the 2010 summer program. The application review process will begin in late February and run through April, or until all positions have been filled. In 2010, it is estimated that MnTAP will hire 8 interns. The application deadline is March 20, 2010; however, applications received after this date will be considered as needed.
To apply, submit your application, cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts. For more information about the projects, view the internship job description.
Email applications are preferred; send to kjlarson@umn.edu. Mailed applications will be considered as well; mail to MnTAP at 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 350, Minneapolis, MN 55455-2008.
Intern Program General Information
MnTAP interns develop solutions to industrial
waste problems. Companies unable to tackle pollution prevention
projects due to lack of time or money may want to apply to
have a MnTAP student intern work on solving waste-related
By developing effective waste reducing solutions,
interns help you save operating costs, reduce regulatory compliance
MnTAP hires and pays junior or senior college
students to work in Minnesota companies during the summer
to research solutions for specific waste-related problems.
Businesses
gain well-developed options for improved efficiency, cost
savings, reduced waste, and decreased regulatory burden.
Students
gain hands-on experience in an industrial setting and an understanding
of pollution prevention strategies for problem solving.
MnTAP gains advanced knowledge and information about specific pollution prevention strategies used to solved waste
problems.
How the Program Works
Businesses identify their primary waste
concerns and propose intern projects to address them.
MnTAP works with the businesses to develop
projects with good cost-saving potential. Funding is available
for up to six projects every summer.
MnTAP evaluates all of the project proposals
using a weighted-scoring process that considers multiple
aspects of a project such as application to other businesses
and management support.
MnTAP hires junior or senior college
students with strong technical backgrounds. The interns
work full-time at business for about three months in the
summer researching reduction options.
MnTAP pays their salaries and requests that companies provide cost-sharing of $2,500 that serves as a stipend for the student at the end of the project.
Working with MnTAP staff, each business
supervises the intern and directs the project within the
scope of the agreed-upon project.
When projects conclude, businesses get
suggestions that help save money by reducing or eliminating
waste. MnTAP shares this information with other Minnesota
businesses. Students have an excellent job experience to
put on their resumes.
Deliverables At the conclusion of a project, companies
receive a report of the intern's findings. This report outlines
the student's suggestions and provides a cost analysis. The student presents findings in a detailed presentation
to company staff and in a general presentation to a public
audience.
Intern Project Agreement Each project requires a MnTAP Intern
Project Agreement. The agreement outlines the project, sets
the scope of work, and defines the research and deliverables.
It highlights the roles and responsibilities of the people
involved.
A project's summary and description vary
with every project. The roles and responsibilities of the
company, MnTAP, and the student intern for completing the projects
are standard. These are detailed in this sample
project agreement. A project's outline in generally built from the following framework:
Determine how waste is currently produced in company processes. Gather data from reports and running tests.
Identify what other companies are doing. Contact vendors about best available technologies. Research and evaluate options for reducing waste.
Work with the company’s management and employees to determine feasibility of different waste reduction options. Develop a cost comparison between the use of existing procedures and the new ones.
Implement approved changes.
Summarize findings in a detailed report, including recommended procedures and system configuration along with an economic analysis and justification of any changes.
Present findings to the company and MnTAP staff.
Students work full-time at the company for
the summer, for a maximum of 536 hours. The company appoints
one person to act as the intern's supervisor at the company.
MnTAP appoints one person to oversee the project and guide
its technical aspects.
Contact Krysta Larson at 612.624.4697
with questions related to MnTAP's student intern program.
