UMD Launches Humanities Internship Program

The program aims to retain local talent by providing 200 paid internships funded by a major grant.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Internships

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized book resting on a geometric plinth, representing academic internship funding. — The University of Minnesota Duluth has launched the Humanities in Action program, funded by a $2.5 million Mellon Foundation grant to support 200 student internships. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The University of Minnesota Duluth has launched the Humanities in Action internship program, supported by a $2.5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation. The initiative provides 200 paid internships over five years to help students gain professional experience.

Why it matters

The program seeks to combat regional brain drain by helping to retain educated young people within the local community. It specifically pairs students with nonprofit and governmental organizations to build lasting professional networks.

The Mellon Foundation provided a $2.5 million grant to support the initiative, which offers 200 paid internships over a five-year period. Students complete 120 hours of work per semester while earning above minimum wage and receiving three course credits.

The players

University of Minnesota Duluth

Ranked as the fourth-best public school in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report, this institution serves as a major hub for higher education.

Mellon Foundation

This organization is a major philanthropic entity that provides grants to support humanities initiatives and educational programs.

The details

Currently, five students are working with the Duluth Center for Women and Children and the Urban Excellence Institute. The program connects these interns with local organizations to foster professional development and local career ties.

December 2025: The program officially received the $2.5 million grant.
Spring 2027: New internship opportunities will open with the city of Duluth, PAVSA, the YMCA, and CHUM.

Market Landscape

This program aligns with broader regional efforts to address the migration of young professionals out of the Midwest. By strengthening local ties, the initiative positions the university as a key player in stabilizing the local workforce against competitive national trends.

Students gain professional networking opportunities and above-minimum-wage pay while fulfilling course requirements. Local nonprofits and government agencies benefit from the influx of skilled student labor to support their operations.

The takeaway

Students looking to build a local career should prioritize programs that integrate professional networking with their academic schedule. Connecting with regional nonprofits early can provide significant advantages for long-term employment prospects.