Young Investigators Internship Program

This eight-week program is for students interested in gaining experience as a researcher.

Goals of the Program

Educate and provide experience through a variety of research including mental health, nursing, social, medicine, etc.
Support rural based research studies
Build future Central Minnesota workforce pipeline in research and in our allied health/clinical roles
Provide opportunities to showcase work completed throughout the experience

Young Investigator applicants should submit an application and attach the following documents:

A cover letter
An academic CV or resume that describes your education, relevant coursework, work experience (if any), professional activities, volunteer activities, community engagement, honors and awards
Two letters of reference

CentraCare Research

Submit your application from Feb. 24 to April 7, 2026.

Date	Milestone
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026	Application Submissions Open
Monday, April 7, 2026	Submission Deadline
Monday, April 20, 2026	Program Acceptance Notifications Issued
Monday, June 8, 2026	First Day of Program Orientation
Monday, Aug. 10, 2026	Science Fair

Minimum age: 16 years old by June 8, 2026
One of the following currently:
1. St. Cloud Area School District 742 high school student
2. Local college PSEO student
3. Local undergraduate college student

Eight-week program commitment
10 hours per week (on average) in-person commitment
Each student will be assigned to a Research Leader as part of a cohort of three to five students to receive mentorship and participate in active research projects
Weekly presentations on research topics with opportunities for hands-on activities (subject to change):
- Orientation
- Laws and Regulations in Research
- IRB 101
- Research Design
- Marketing Your Research; Scientific Illustrations (Activity: Create an Illustration of Your Research Project)
- Networking 101
- How to Present Research (Activity: Create Your Science Fair Poster)
- Science Fair (Activity: Present Your Research Project)

Over the eight-week program, students will be paid $20 per hour for approximately 10 hours per week.

Questions about submissions, permissions or guidelines may be directed to research@centracare.com.