New: Streamlined Application Process

Businesses can register and apply for training grants through our new Grants Management System.

Register and Apply for Internship Training Grants Here

Helping Businesses Build Future Talent

The Internship Grants program aims to empower local businesses by providing resources to establish structured, hands-on learning experiences. These internships are designed to equip individuals with the critical skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary for successful workplace participation. While government entities are generally ineligible for participation, exceptions are made for Wyoming county and memorial hospitals, as well as providers of emergency medical services.

What Internships Should Provide

  1. Real-World Experience: Interns should work on meaningful projects or tasks under the guidance of a designated supervisor. The purpose of an internship is to provide a short-term structured learning opportunity for an individual to acquire knowledge and skills to an industry or occupation. It is not meant to advance the operations of the employer or to “substitute” the work that a regular employer would routinely perform.
  2. Department Exposure: Opportunities to observe, contribute, and rotate through various areas of the organization.
  3. Career Growth: Access to mentorship, industry networking, and career connections.
  4. Training and Feedback: Structured or on-the-job training, paired with regular, constructive feedback to support professional development.

For any questions or assistance, email us at: dws-wdtf-internship@wyo.gov.

Program Parameters and Eligibility

  • Internship Duration: An internship may be up to 480 hours. A full-time internship (40 hours/week) can run for 12 weeks, while part-time roles can extend up to six months. Internships may not exceed six months in length. The Start Date on the application must begin at minimum the 1st of the next month. For example, if you are applying in the July application window, the training start date must be August 1st at the earliest.
  • Grant Amendments: Approved grants may be amended once to extend the internship period by up to 60 days. This extension can be requested through your Grant Portal under the Tasks tab as an Amendment Request. Changes are considered on a case-by-case basis. An amendment request must be submitted at least 20 days before the end date of the internship.
  • Wage Reimbursement: Businesses can receive up to $18/hour for intern wages, with proper documentation. Intern wages should reflect the learning nature of the role, typically at the lower end of the wage scale. WDTF recommends O*Net Online for the wage data in the application. Please review the O*Net Instructions before submitting your documentation.
  • Internship Limits:
    • Businesses can sponsor up to 3 internships per fiscal year.
    • Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) may sponsor up to 5 internships.
  • Hiring Timeline: Interns must be hired no earlier than 30 days before submitting the application and no later than 60 days after the Internship Start Date.
  • Mentor Assignment: Each intern must have a mentor with relevant experience and education in the field. Mentors can oversee no more than two interns simultaneously.

How to Apply

Step 1: ENSURE GOOD STANDING

Businesses must be registered and in good standing with each entity below at the time the application is submitted.

  1. Register with the Wyoming Secretary of State (processing takes 7-15 days).
  2. Be in good standing with Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance (processing takes 2-4 weeks).
  3. Provide a Letter of Support from your local Economic Development Entity (if operating for less than 365 days).

Step 2: Create an Account

‘Register your business in our Grant Management System here.

  • Account verification can take up to 1-2 weeks, depending on good standing verification with the entities listed above.
  • Once approved, you’ll receive an email to create a password to the portal and start building your application.

Step 3: Build & Submit Your Application

  • Applications can be drafted and saved at any time but may only be submitted during the first 7 calendar days of each month.
  • Each application is one intern per application. If you are requesting multiple interns, a new application will need to be submitted for each internship.

Step 4: Review Process

Approval is not guaranteed.

Applications are all reviewed after the window has closed and taken to a review pane around the third week of the month for consideration. 

All grant communications are through email or the grant portal. 

The Wyoming Internship Funding program offers businesses an excellent opportunity to cultivate talent while supporting individuals in their career growth. Don’t miss this chance to make a meaningful impact on your organization and your community!

WDTF has recently received additional funding through the Wyoming Innovation Partnership to support young adult internships. The application process for this funding will align with our current WDTF Internship Grant processes. In order to be eligible for this funding the intern must be both a student and between the ages of 16-24.

Internship Grant Resources