10 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in South Dakota

College internships go beyond classroom learning and allow you to apply theory to real-world challenges, build technical skills, and explore potential career paths. They also help you develop workplace communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities that are difficult to replicate in a lecture hall. For students pursuing STEM fields, internships are especially important. Whether in areas like engineering, research labs, healthcare systems, environmental science, or data analytics, experiential learning improves your technical expertise and clarifies long-term goals. South Dakota offers a mix of national laboratories, research universities, healthcare institutions, and engineering-driven companies that actively recruit undergraduate interns.

Why should you do a STEM internship in college?

STEM internships allow you to apply classroom concepts in engineering, biology, computer science, or mathematics to real projects with measurable outcomes. They also often lead to industry references, mentorship relationships, and even full-time job offers after graduation. Employers prioritize candidates who demonstrate applied technical skills, familiarity with tools and workflows, and the ability to collaborate in professional environments. A well-chosen internship can also clarify whether you want to pursue graduate school, research, or direct industry employment. For competitive fields, internship experience can significantly boost employability and earning potential after graduation.

Here are 10 STEM internships for undergraduates in South Dakota that offer compensation, networking opportunities, and structured mentorship.

Quick Look

• 10 internships total spanning biomedical research, materials science, underground physics research, transportation engineering, and defense, hosted by organizations including Sanford Research, South Dakota Mines, and the State of South Dakota Department of Transportation

• The three strongest disclosed research stipends are South Dakota Mines' REU and SURF's BHSU REU (both $7,000) and Sanford's SPUR ($6,000)

• The State of South Dakota's Transportation Engineering Internship offers the clearest hourly rate on this list, at $22.19 to $24.73 per hour

• SURF's BHSU REU stands out for taking place in an underground laboratory environment, focused on physics research like dark matter and neutrinos

• Teachwell Project SEARCH at Avera Health is the only program on this list specifically designed for students aged 18 to 21 with disabilities and IEP transition goals

1. Sanford Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)

Location: Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD
Stipend: $6,000
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate freshmen to juniors in STEM; Must be U.S. citizens/permanent residents for NSF/NIH-funded tracks; More info here

In this program, you’ll gain hands-on laboratory experience by working under a principal investigator in a real research environment. You’ll collaborate with graduate students and researchers while exploring topics in cellular and molecular biology or biomedical science. Alongside research, you’ll attend workshops on ethics, careers, and graduate school preparation. You’ll also develop presentation skills through research proposals and final symposiums. The program offers strong mentorship, exposure to advanced lab techniques, and a supportive academic community.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual 
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid available); Unpaid
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduates who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks 

Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you’ll work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, including engineering, computer science, technology, health tech, AI/ML, and more. As part of your internship, you will work on a real-world project that addresses a genuine need for the startup you are working with. As an intern, you will work closely with your manager at the startup and will get to present your work at the end of your internship. Apply now!

3. South Dakota Mines: Back to the Future REU Program (Metallurgy & Materials Science)

Location: South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD
Stipend: $7,000
Dates: May 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in materials science, engineering, or related fields (typically U.S. citizens/permanent residents)

In the Back to the Future REU Program, you’ll explore the intersection of metallurgy, art, and history while conducting cutting-edge materials science research. You’ll also get to work closely with faculty mentors on topics like nanomaterials, biomaterials, and corrosion engineering. The experience combines technical research with seminars on the cultural and historical significance of metallurgy. You’ll also participate in workshops and professional development sessions. The program offers a unique interdisciplinary approach that blends science with real-world applications and historical context.

4. Teachwell Project SEARCH at Avera Health

Location: Avera Health, Sioux Falls, SD
Cost/Stipend: Not specified (school-supported program)
Dates: August – May (full academic year)
Application Deadline: Spring selection cycle (varies)
Eligibility: Students aged 18-21 with disabilities and IEP transition goals

In this program, you’ll develop job and life skills through hands-on internships within a healthcare setting. You’ll rotate through three different internships, gaining practical workplace experience alongside Avera Health staff. Daily instruction focuses on employability and life skills, which you’ll apply directly during your workday. You’ll receive personalized support from job coaches and transition specialists. The program is designed to help you transition into competitive employment and build independence after high school.

5. Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF): BHSU REU

Location: Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD, or Box Elder, SD
Stipend: $7,000
Dates: May 26 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in physics, chemistry, biology, or related fields

In this program, you’ll conduct research in a unique underground laboratory environment focused on physics, chemistry, and biology. You’ll work on projects related to dark matter, neutrinos, and deep underground microbial life. The program combines experimental research with computational techniques like simulations and data analysis. You’ll also participate in professional development, outreach, and collaborative activities. This experience gives you exposure to large-scale scientific experiments and interdisciplinary research.

6. Daktronics Internship Program

Location: Daktronics, Brookings, SD
Stipend: Paid (hourly, varies by role)
Dates: Varies (summer internships common)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (sophomore year completed) or recent graduates

During the Daktronics Internship Program, you’ll gain real-world industry experience aligned with your major in fields like engineering, business, or creative services. You’ll work on practical projects that contribute to company operations while building technical and professional skills. The internship encourages cross-department exposure to broaden your understanding of the industry. You’ll also have opportunities to network and potentially secure full-time employment. It’s a strong pathway to transition from academic learning to professional work environments.

7. General Dynamics Mission Systems Internship

Location: Varies, depending on internship; Virtual options also available
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies depending on program
Eligibility: College rising freshmen through postgraduates

The GDMS Students & Recent Graduates program provides you with opportunities to participate in internships or early-career roles that contribute to advanced defense and security projects. You will work on assignments in fields such as engineering, IT, business, or manufacturing while collaborating with professionals who provide mentorship and guidance. You’ll gain experience in areas such as systems development, technical design, or project implementation. You’ll also participate in team meetings, workshops, and professional-development activities that support your learning and growth. Your work may contribute directly to projects that support national defense and security initiatives. The program also offers pathways for interns to transition into full-time positions after graduation.

8. NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships 

Location: Virtual + in-person options 
Stipend: Paid (amount varies) and unpaid opportunities available
Dates: Varies based on internship; Available in the summer, spring, and fall
Application Deadline: Varies by session 
Eligibility: Full-time college students (undergraduate through graduate-level) or part-time college students (16+) who have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and are U.S. citizens

NASA OSTEM internships are designed to help you contribute to the fields of science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. As an intern, you will work with research scientists, engineers, and other professionals at a NASA center or facility, or virtually anywhere. While the exact tasks can vary for each opportunity, you may help NASA staff with research, data collection, analysis, software testing, tech improvements, and other tasks that support NASA missions. The program offers hands-on experience to strengthen research and technical skills and help you prepare for future career opportunities.

9. State of South Dakota: Transportation Engineering Internship 

Location: Department of Transportation, Tyndall, SD
Stipend: $22.19 – $24.73/hour
Dates: Approx. 10-12 weeks
Application Deadline: January 27 – 28 (rolling; may close early)
Eligibility: Current undergraduate or technical students with at least one year completed, minimum 6 credit hours; Preference for juniors/seniors

In this internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience working on real transportation and infrastructure projects with the Department of Transportation. You’ll assist engineers with tasks such as material testing, surveying, and construction inspection for roads and bridges. The role involves outdoor, field-based work where you’ll learn practical engineering processes and documentation methods. You’ll collaborate with project technicians and engineering teams while developing technical and problem-solving skills. This experience helps you understand how large-scale public infrastructure projects are designed, built, and maintained.

10. Raven Industries: CNH STEM Internship Program

Location: Raven Industries, Sioux Falls, SD
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Varies (typically summer internships)
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by position)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in STEM fields (engineering, IT, finance, etc.)

In this program, you’ll gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects across STEM fields, such as engineering, information technology, operations, and finance. You’ll contribute to meaningful business initiatives while developing technical and problem-solving skills in a professional environment. The internship emphasizes innovation and practical application of classroom knowledge. You’ll also have opportunities to network with industry professionals and explore different career paths within the organization. This experience helps you build industry readiness while working on impactful technology-driven solutions.

Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs

1. There are three different research fellowship programs on this list (Sanford's SPUR, South Dakota Mines' REU, and SURF's BHSU REU). How do I know which one matches my field of interest?

Each centers on a different scientific discipline. Sanford's SPUR is focused on biomedical and cellular research, making it the strongest fit if you're interested in biology or pre-med pathways. South Dakota Mines' REU is centered on materials science and metallurgy, blending technical research with historical context, which suits students in engineering or materials-related fields. SURF's BHSU REU is the most specialized of the three, taking place in an underground physics lab and focused on topics like dark matter and neutrinos, making it the best choice if you're studying physics specifically.

2. What is Teachwell Project SEARCH at Avera Health, and how is it different from the other internships on this list?

This program is structured differently from the rest, since it's specifically designed for students aged 18 to 21 with disabilities and IEP transition goals, rather than being a general undergraduate STEM internship. It runs across a full academic year and focuses on building job and life skills through rotating internships within a healthcare setting, supported by job coaches and transition specialists. If this describes your situation, it's worth looking into directly, since the eligibility and structure are quite different from the research and engineering internships elsewhere on this list.

3. A few of these internships, like Daktronics and Raven Industries, don't disclose a specific pay rate. Should I still apply?

Yes, it's still worth applying even without a published rate, since many companies set pay based on your year in school, major, and the specific role you're placed in, which is why an exact figure isn't always listed upfront. Daktronics and Raven Industries are both established South Dakota companies offering genuine hands-on STEM experience across engineering, IT, and business functions, so it's reasonable to apply and ask about compensation directly during the interview process if it isn't clarified beforehand.