Across Southwest Minnesota, local counties are investing in the next generation of workers by giving college students something that can't always be learned in a classroom: real-world experience.
Through partnerships with the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), the Swift County, Murray County, and Nobles County Summer Internship Programs connect college students with local employers for paid, hands-on summer internships. These programs give students an opportunity to explore careers, build professional skills, make valuable connections, and see firsthand the opportunities available close to home.
At the same time, local employers benefit from the energy, ideas, and emerging talent that students bring to their organizations.
THE PROGRAMS
The three county programs each began with a similar goal to strengthen connections between students and local employers while helping build the region's future workforce.
The Nobles County Internship Program was the first of the three programs to launch. The idea was inspired by a successful internship initiative in neighboring Martin County. In 2023, Nobles County partnered with SWMNPIC to launch its program, placing 15 college students with local businesses during its first summer. The program continued in 2024 and has now entered its fourth year. In 2026, 13 local students gained experience with eight Nobles County businesses and organizations.
The Swift County Summer Internship Program grew from an idea introduced by County Commissioner Larry Mahoney after learning about similar efforts through SWMNPIC. With support from county leadership and funding secured through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Swift County launched its program to provide paid summer internships that connect students with career opportunities in their own backyard.
The Murray County Internship Program also grew from the success of neighboring county programs. Commissioner Dave Thiner brought the idea forward after learning about an internship initiative in another county. When ARPA funding became available, Murray County approved $115,000 to support up to 15 internship positions over three years. The program launched in 2024 with seven interns and grew to eight interns in 2025. In its third of ARPA-funded programming, three students participated in 2026.
Together, these programs demonstrate what can happen when county leadership, local employers, students, and workforce organizations work together to create meaningful career experiences.
2026 INTERNS
This year's interns explored an impressive variety of careers from healthcare and human services to municipal government, finance, automotive technology, dentistry, education, legal services, and more.
In Swift County, Anika spent her summer as a Medical Lab Intern at CentraCare – Benson, gaining experience in phlebotomy, laboratory testing, patient care, and laboratory safety. Paige worked with the City of Appleton, contributing to projects including code enforcement, bike trail planning, hospital route mapping, landscaping plans, and a community cleanup. Avery worked at the Swift County Developmental Achievement Center, where she supported adults with disabilities, developed enrichment activities, and built meaningful relationships with the individuals she served.
Avery summed up the impact of her experience by saying, “This internship has taught me so much about connection, patience, and the importance of making everyone feel valued.” Her work made such an impression that she was invited to return during winter break as a part-time Direct Support Professional.
For Paige, the experience provided a valuable connection between her education and the community. “This internship has been a wonderful experience that will help me in my future career,” she shared.
In Murray County, Kylee explored a variety of nursing roles at Murray County Medical Center, working alongside charge nurses, clinic nurses, the wound nurse, and outreach nurses. Katelyn gained experience in financial services with Investors Choice Financial Services and discovered a growing interest in investing. Carter also gained hands-on experience at Murray County Medical Center.
Kylee's supervisor, Courtney Bonnstetter, saw her potential throughout the summer, sharing, “Kylee has been awesome to work with. She has been eager to learn, catches on quickly, and will make a great nurse!”
In Nobles County, 13 students participated in internships spanning a wide range of industries. Phothong worked in Student Support Services at Minnesota West Community & Technical College and created a New Employee Onboarding Resource Guide while developing professional and administrative skills. Madeline gained experience in advertising, public relations, design, and communications at Forward Worthington. Ariel explored automotive technology at Mick's Repairs, while Mery gained firsthand experience in dentistry at Worthington Family Dental. Mallory's internship with the Nobles County Attorney's Office helped confirm her interest in pursuing law and sparked a particular interest in criminal law.
Phothong reflected on the value of gaining experience outside the classroom: “The internship has been very helpful because I have gained hands-on experience and developed professional skills that I will use in my future career.”
Madeline discovered more about the type of work she enjoys through her experience at Forward Worthington, sharing, “This internship has really helped me realize I enjoy designing and creating.”
While each internship differed, the common thread was clear: students were given the opportunity to learn, contribute, and explore what their futures might look like.
These internships aren't simply summer jobs. They provide students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge, develop workplace skills, discover new interests, and build relationships with professionals in their fields. They also give local employers an opportunity to mentor emerging talent and invest directly in the future of their communities.
As the 2026 internship season comes to a close, students are returning to their colleges and universities with new skills, greater confidence, and a clearer picture of the possibilities ahead.
For communities throughout Southwest Minnesota, the investment continues beyond the summer. By connecting students with local employers today, these programs are helping build relationships that can encourage talented young people to return, live, work, and thrive in Southwest Minnesota in the future.
Check out our 2026 Summer Internship Booklets