Andrews University receives grant for STEM internship program

Andrews University has received a grant from the Hunter Foundation that will provide students with STEM internships in the summers of 2026 and 2027. The Hunter Foundation wished to start a STEM internship program, and enFocus, an organization focused on creating entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities in the South Bend-Elkhart region of Indiana, was working with the university and helped the university apply for the Hunter Foundation’s grant.

According to an article on Andrews University’s website, Matías Soto, who serves as the  director of the university’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, was quoted as saying of the new internship program, “Students will work on projects from local industry, doing work such as research and development, product development, software development, and other technical support. They will work to solve real problems at these companies.”

Soto went on to explain that the grant will support five students in the summer of 2026 and seven students in the summer of 2027 to participate in internships with partner organizations that are working on STEM projects. Students who participate will receive a stipend for their housing and living expenses. They will also receive professional development and direct, hands-on experience in STEM industries.

Students must be full-time students in a STEM program prior to the summer of 2026 or 2027 in order to apply for the opportunity. 

Lauren Richardson of enFocus noted that following the pilot of the internship program, there may be room in the future for expansion of the program.

The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship has other initiatives in development, including a new business incubator to help support students as they develop startups, and an Andrews University Pitch Competition coming up in March.

For more information about Andrews University, visit the school’s website.