Student Intern, Cooperative Extension

About the Role

The Student Intern provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience within the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program. This 12-week internship offers experiential learning across multiple Extension disciplines: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community Resource Development, and 4-H Youth Development. The intern will work with Extension professionals to support educational programming, outreach activities, applied research, demonstrations, program evaluations, and community-based initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Extension agents and specialists with the planning, coordination, and delivery of educational programs and outreach activities.
• Support the implementation of Extension events, including youth summer camps, field days, workshops, community programs, and other educational activities.
• Develop and contribute to educational and outreach materials, including newsletters, fact sheets, social media content, presentations, and other communications.
• Participate in applied research, demonstrations, and program evaluations, including data collection and basic data analysis.
• Support routine farm operations, including crop and livestock management, when applicable to the assigned internship.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for Extension programs, events, meetings, and activities.
• Engage with diverse audiences, including youth, families, farmers, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Attend professional meetings, trainings, seminars, and other activities designed to enhance understanding of Cooperative Extension systems and career pathways.
• Maintain weekly activity logs and complete a final report or presentation summarizing internship activities and experiences.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and electronic communication tools.
• Ability to learn and apply basic data collection, recordkeeping, and data management practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with Extension professionals, University personnel, community members, youth, families, farmers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to participate in both office-based and field-based activities.
• Demonstrated dependability, professionalism, and willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university.
• Academic interest in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, youth development, community development, education, natural resources, or a related field.
• Previous experience or demonstrated interest in Cooperative Extension, community engagement, agriculture, youth programming, education, or related areas.
• Interest in careers involving public service, education, outreach, agriculture, community development, or related fields.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to participate in office, community, and field-based activities.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.

Working Conditions

• The position involves a combination of indoor office work and outdoor field activities.
• Travel to Extension sites, educational programs, community events, and other project locations throughout Kentucky may be required.
• The position may require occasional evening or weekend work in support of camps, workshops, field days, community programs, and other Extension activities.
• Physical activities may include standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting of materials or equipment weighing up to 25-40 pounds.
• Work may involve exposure to varying weather conditions and outdoor environments.