§ 42-64.16-3. Establishment of bioscience & engineering internship program. (a) There is hereby established the Innovate Rhode Island Bioscience & Engineering Internship Program to be administered by STAC. In order to promote workforce development and education in the bioscience and engineering fields and enhance the talent pipeline for Rhode Island businesses engaged in the biosciences and engineering, STAC may reimburse eligible bioscience and engineering companies for eligible internship stipends. The reimbursements shall be paid from the Innovate Rhode Island Small Business Account established in this chapter.

(b) Bioscience and engineering definitions.

(1) Bioscience definition. For the purposes of this section, "bioscience" shall mean advanced and applied sciences that expand the understanding of human physiology and have the potential to lead to medical advances or therapeutic applications.

(2) Engineering definition. For the purposes of this section, "engineering" shall mean the creative application of advanced mathematics and natural sciences to design or develop complex structures, machines, processes, or systems.

(c) Business eligibility. In order to be eligible for reimbursement under this section, a business must satisfy all of the following conditions:

(1) The business must be a for-profit, Rhode Island-based business with fifty (50) or fewer employees. For the purposes of this section, a Rhode Island-based business is one that has its principal place of business and at least fifty-one percent (51%) of its employees in this state.

(2) The business must be primarily engaged in a bioscience or engineering field and must demonstrate its ability to conduct research in bioscience or engineering.

(3) The business must host the internship in Rhode Island.

(4) The business must offer interns a hands-on learning experience and at least one mentor directly overseeing the internship.

(5) Any two or more related businesses that are commonly controlled by any person or entity, directly or indirectly, are limited to reimbursement under this section available for one business only.

(d) Intern eligibility. In order to be an eligible intern under this section, a prospective intern must satisfy all of the following requirements:

(1) The prospective intern must be a Rhode Island resident and must attend a college or university located in Rhode Island.

(2) For students enrolled in community college, the student must be enrolled in an Associate's Degree or Certificate program or completed one within the past year; for students enrolled in four-year college or university, the student must have or will have completed at least sophomore year the semester before the internship, or have graduated within the past year; for graduate students, the student must be enrolled in a Master's Degree program or received their Master's Degree within the past year.

(3) The intern cannot be the spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, niece, nephew, or spouse of a child, grandchild, sibling, niece, or nephew of any employee of the business.

(4) The intern cannot participate in more than one internship subsidized under this section in the same calendar year.

(5) The intern cannot participate in more than two internships subsidized under this section, over two calendar years, with the same business.

(e) Reimbursement. STAC may reimburse eligible companies for pay rates up to twelve dollars ($12) per hour for a total reimbursement of no more than three thousand dollars ($3,000) per eligible intern in a bioscience or engineering internship program. Businesses may seek reimbursement for up to two (2) interns per calendar year. Interns shall be paid directly by the eligible business. Eligible businesses may seek reimbursement under this section by providing certification and proof of payment to STAC.

(f) Business application. A business shall apply, under oath, to STAC to qualify for reimbursement under this section on a form prescribed by STAC that includes at least all of the following:

(1) The name of the business, the form of business organization under which it is operated, and the names and addresses of the principals or management of the business.

(2) Certification that the business meets the requirements for eligibility under this section.

(3) A description of the bioscience or engineering internship program that the business intends to offer.

(4) Any other information necessary for STAC to evaluate the application.

(g) Prospective intern application. A prospective intern shall apply, under oath, to STAC to qualify for an internship under this section on a form prescribed by STAC that includes at least all of the following:

(1) The prospective intern's name, address, college or university, program of study, year of study at the college or university, and degree of attainment.

(2) Certification that prospective intern meets the requirements for eligibility under this section.

(3) Proof of Rhode Island residency.

(4) Proof of enrollment in a college or university in Rhode Island or proof of having graduated from a college or university in Rhode Island within the past year.

(5) Resume and cover letter.

(6) Any other information necessary for STAC to evaluate the application.

(h) Application process. STAC may receive applications from businesses and prospective interns throughout the calendar year and make determinations relating to eligibility under this section. STAC may make available to eligible businesses the eligible intern applications. Eligible businesses looking to host interns may review applications, interview candidates, and select and hire interns according to their qualifications and the businesses' needs.

History of Section. (P.L. 2013, ch. 144, art. 23, § 1.)