The purposes of the Program are to: Connect college and university students, recent graduates, and veterans with small innovative businesses in the high–growth technology sector through internships; Encourage high–achieving students at institutions of higher education in the State to remain in the State after graduation; Increase student understanding of employment opportunities in the State; Create connections between students and community business leaders and entrepreneurs and develop opportunities for student involvement in communities; Assist small technology–based businesses in developing internship programs and recruiting future employees; and Foster business retention and development, job creation, workforce development, and new investment in the State.