Innovation Scholars Program

Purpose

The Innovation Scholars Program is an innovative experiential learning opportunity for students at participating private colleges and universities in Minnesota. Students are provided with first-hand research and marketability analysis experience with new real world innovation projects from leading inventors and researchers at Mayo Clinic, Medical Alley, and NASA. Students work in teams of four, with at least one science major and one business major on each team, to complete research projects that ultimately assist inventors in the assessment of ideas for new products submitted by researchers.

The Program is a collaborative venture of the Medtronic Foundation, The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, Minnesota private colleges and universities, and participating companies. For additional information, please see www.mnprivatecolleges.org/members/mayo-innovation-scholars

Eligibility Requirements 

Interested juniors and seniors may apply for an internship with the Innovation Scholars Program.

  • Junior (16 credits) or senior academic status
  • Cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher
  • Academic Major is open to all majors, selection will be based on student strengths in relation to the designated project, with students typically from the following majors: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Math, Computer Science, Statistics, Health and Exercise Science, Public Health, Psychological Science, Nursing, Business, Economics, or Management. 
  • Acceptance of the terms of the Gustavus Honor Code
  • Students who are on any type of Gustavus Adolphus College probation shall not be eligible for a Innovation Scholars Program Internship

Internship Schedule

  • September - Student applications are due.
  • End of September - Interviews and team selection completed. First meetings with team managers are held.
  • End of October - Mandatory Orientation Meeting at the designated area
  • October - Start assigned research project
  • January - Work intensively on research project
  • February - Conclude work
  • Late February to Early March - Conference Presentation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester or Coloplast Corp in Minneapolis (based on assigned project)

Gustavus ISP Interns are expected to register for either an Interim Career Exploration or a Spring Semester Internship.

Financial Support

Gustavus ISP Interns will receive a $1,500 stipend upon completion of the internship, and will be reimbursed for the cost of required travel to designated sites.

Application Information

Applicants should upload the following documents through Handshake (Apply Here) 

1. Resume (for help with creating résumé click here)

2. Cover letter (for help creating a cover letter click here) addressed to:

Dr. Lynnea Myers, Program Coordinator
Innovation Scholars
c/o Career Development
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082

Applicants must address the following in their cover letters:

    • Why you are interested in this opportunity
    • What you hope to gain through this experience
    • Previous experience you have in problem solving in a team setting
    • What makes you a strong candidate

3. Unofficial Transcript

4. Signed Certification of Eligibility form 

5. Name and contact information of ONE academic reference (Gustavus faculty - name, department, email, and phone number)

After all application materials are reviewed, selected students will be invited to interview. 

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:
Career Development | 507-933-7575 | career@gustavus.edu


Updated 9/20/23 JV