Compatible Technology International (CTI), a global non-profit based in St. Paul, MN recently raised $30,000 to start a partnership and internship for students at Northland College in Ashland, Wis. Both institutions initiated the partnership as a way to honor former CTI Executive Director Malcolm McLean, who served CTI from 1991-1995 as well as the president of Northland College 1971-1987.

This student internship, named the Wendy & Malcolm McLean Internship, will start in summer 2015 with one Northland College student working a minimum of 10 weeks at CTI headquarters in St. Paul, plus one week in a developing country.

Founded in 1981, CTI designs and distributes food and water tools for rural communities in developing countries. Its unique approach to sustainable development is based on farmer centered solutions that address global hunger and poverty.

Northland College is a traditional liberal arts and sciences college with a unique focus on the environment and sustainability.

McLean, who is Northland’s second longest-serving president, is credited with leading efforts to create and develop the environmental studies program, the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, and the Native American studies program, as well as bringing about a recommitment to the student work program.

“We are pleased to be able to offer this special internship in Malcolm’s name, and to bring together these two organizations that mean so much to Malcolm,” said Northland College President Michael Miller. “Just like Malcolm, we recognize the value in internships that expose students to global problem solving and solutions.”

Executive Director Alexandra Spieldoch concurs. “We are proud to work with an institution like Northland College that is teaching innovative approaches to building sustainable food systems.”