MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
A statewide micro-internship program is opening new doors for Kansas businesses to connect with college talent, thanks to a unique initiative supported by the Kansas Board of Regents and Department of Commerce.
Rick Kraus, Career Services Coordinator at Hutchinson Community College, joined BW's morning radio show this week to talk about how micro-internships are reshaping work-based learning across the state.
Unlike traditional internships or apprenticeships, micro-internships are short-term, project-based opportunities that typically last between 20 and 25 hours. These internships are often remote, and students are paid upon completing a specific assignment for the business, nonprofit or entrepreneur that hires them.
“This is a great way for employers to get valuable work done while helping students build their resumes,” Kraus said. “And with grant funding covering the first five projects, there’s no cost to the employer to get started.”
The program, launched in 2021, is part of the Kansas Board of Regents’ “Building a Future” strategic plan. It partners with national micro-internship platform Parker Dewey to match employers with students from Kansas public colleges and universities.
Eligible businesses must operate within state lines. While students from any public Kansas institution can apply for internships, employers have the option to restrict applications to a specific school — such as Hutchinson Community College.
“Say you’re a business in Hutch and you want a marketing intern from K-State — you can do that,” Krause explained. “But if you want to give the opportunity to a local Hutch CC student, you can set that preference when you post the job.”
After the initial five free projects, employers can continue using the platform at a cost of $500 per project. Of that, $450 goes directly to the student, and the remaining $50 supports administrative fees paid to Parker Dewey, the company that manages micro-internships nationwide.
Kraus emphasized that most micro-internships are flexible and remote, allowing students to work on their own schedule — even late at night or around class and sports commitments. Projects can range from data entry and social media planning to research and content development.
“It's really a win-win,” he said. “Students gain experience and employers get meaningful work done.”
For businesses interested in learning more, Kraus can be reached directly at Hutchinson Community College at 620-728-4464 or via e-mail