Institute staff and mentors are active in a variety of professional and technical associations. During the orientation the parties review conditions of participation, overall program priorities, and identify performance and participation expectations and outcomes. The written report of the orientation is signed by Institute staff, the intern and mentors and becomes the basis for evaluating the performance of all parties involved. In order to make its internship opportunities available to all Indian students, including those of modest means, the Institute's program covers the intern's transportation and lodging expenses and pays a stipend which is sufficient to permit the intern to save for school expenses for the forthcoming year. Their relationship with the interns is more avuncular.
Mentors give informal advice, counsel and above all, encouragement.
The primary beneficiaries of the Institute's Internship program are the interns. The interns receive college credit for the internship, establish a network of professional, academic and tribal contacts that can help advance their careers, and gain professional experience. However, the Internship is intended to benefit others as well. Providing guidance to the Department of Energy, Department of Defense and other federal agencies on a wide range of tribal perspectives on environmental restoration issues. Helping the Department of Energy, Department of Defense and other federal agencies establish partnerships with Indian tribes.