InternNE Grant Program

InternNE Grant Program

Funds Nebraska employers to subsidize internships that build entry-level workforce pathways.

Eligibility · United States · US-NE

The InternNE Grant Program is a rolling internship wage and expense reimbursement program administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NE DED) to help Nebraska employers recruit and retain early-career talent. The program reimburses 50% of eligible internship expenses up to a maximum of $7,500 per intern. Employer size determines which expense categories are reimbursable: businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 150 full-time equivalent employees may claim intern wages in addition to tuition reimbursement, housing, transportation, and recruitment or administrative costs; employers with 150 or more FTE may not claim wages, but can still claim the non-wage expenses. The 150 FTE threshold took effect June 30, 2024, replacing an earlier 50 FTE cutoff.

Interns must meet one of four eligibility criteria: high school junior or senior, current college or university student, enrollee in a certified training program, or recent graduate within 12 months of completing their degree or program. Both for-profit businesses and nonprofits headquartered or operating in Nebraska qualify; universities and research organizations are not eligible as host employers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the state fiscal year, and the FY 2026–27 program cycle is confirmed active.

InternNE is a straightforward reimbursement program with a low administrative burden, making it accessible for small and mid-sized Nebraska employers across all industries. Employers should apply before the internship begins or at the start of the internship period rather than after the fact, as the program is structured as a reimbursement that requires pre-registration. Employers near the 150 FTE threshold should verify their current headcount carefully, since crossing it eliminates the most valuable reimbursable category — direct wages. NE DED's Business Innovation Act team administers the program through opportunity.nebraska.gov.