Walton Family Foundation grant will expand UA's startup intern program

A $518,000 grant for UA's Venture Intern Program that pairs undergraduates with early-stage ventures will support internships through 2023.

• The grant comes from the Walton Family Foundation and will allow the program to expand from 60 to 90 students.
• The program is a 12-week, paid assignment for juniors and seniors.

Why it matters: NWA's startup community is small compared to major metros — fostering an entrepreneurial spirit will help grow the community and sustain the area's economy long-term.

The program is popular with both students and startups.

• "Students want to experience the workings of early-stage companies and startup environments. And these organizations need access to talented student interns to increase their head count and ability to execute," said Deb Williams, director of student programs at UA's Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in a news release.

Applications for the fall 2021 cohort are due July 2.