SUNY Program for Experiential & Entrepreneurial Development (SPEED)

Applications for SPEED Summer 2024 are now closed.

 

What is SUNY Program for Experiential & Entrepreneurial Development (SPEED)? 

SPEED provides SUNY students with opportunities to explore entrepreneurship and learn about life at a startup or small business.

UAlbany’s Minerva Center for High Impact Learning and Office of Economic Development work together to offer a summer internship program, as well as entrepreneurship events throughout the year and other programs to SUNY students.

 

A student wearing a pink blouse and headphones smiles and poses for a photo with camera equipment, including a teleprompter, camera and lighting gear.

 

Apply for a SPEED Summer Internship  

Our summer internship program places students at companies supported by START UP-NY, as well as other small- to medium-sized Capital Region organizations.  

START-UP NY is an Empire State Development program that offers tax-based incentives and academic partnerships to new or growing companies focused on technology and innovation. 

While most internships focus on technology, computer science, innovation and business development, the program is open to students from all academic disciplines. 
 

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must: 

  • Be enrolled at any two- or four-year SUNY institution 
  • Have at least sophomore status by the time the internship begins (first-year students may apply) 
  • Have at least a 2.0 overall GPA 
  • Be at least 18 years old 
  • Be available to intern for the duration of the selected SPEED semester 
  • Be eligible to intern in the United States:
    • UAlbany international students must secure practical training status by speaking with an International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) advisor before beginning the internship program.
    • International students from other SUNY institutions must connect with international student services at their home institution. 
Application

Note: Applications for the Spring 2025 semester are currently closed.

You must complete the SPEED Summer Internship Application. Be prepared to submit a current resume and a personal essay. 

In your essay, please discuss how participating in SPEED relates to your academic and career goals. 

The essay must be no more than three pages. It should be double spaced and proofread. Each page must be numbered and include your name in the top margin. 

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Selection Process

Minerva Center staff review applications before inviting qualified candidates to participate in the SPEED program.  Upon acceptance, students will then complete a mandatory online training to prepare them for professional work.

Selection is based on candidates’ academic qualifications and how clearly candidates demonstrate that participating in the program will enhance their academic and career goals. 

What to Expect as a SPEED Intern 

If accepted, the Minerva Center will help you secure an exclusive SPEED internship with a participating company in the Capital Region and register for the required academic course.  

Students can work anywhere from 50 hours to 300 hours in correspondence with the number of UUNI 288 credits they select to register for.    

Many positions are paid, either by stipend or hourly wage, and on-campus housing is available.  

All SPEED interns are required to enroll in UUNI 288, a University-wide internship course that includes a work component and an academic component.

UUNI 288 is an online course with variable credits. Read more about UUNI 288 in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Review tuition and fees information on the Cost & Aid website. 

Students must also attend an orientation and scheduled workshops on entrepreneurship and professional development.