Experiential Scholars Program (ESP) Intern

About the Role

The Experiential Scholars Program (ESP) is a nine-week summer paid internship at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA). This program is designed for college juniors and seniors to gain experience in one of three focus areas:

• Water/soil conservation
• Food nutrition, health, and safety
• Community/economic development

Key Responsibilities

• Seek information from mentors and colleagues regarding the history, purpose, and mission of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
• Job shadow and assist a mentor or designee in their day-to-day activities, simulating Extension education practices.
• Participate in leadership training sessions via Zoom.
• Conduct an independent project within the assigned focus area, including development, evaluation, and impact reporting.
• Maintain a log or journal outlining internship experiences.
• Complete and submit a Record of Internship at the conclusion of the program.

Compensation

• Interns will work up to 40 hours per week for a maximum of nine weeks.
• Hourly rate: $12.50
• Travel reimbursement: .52 per mile
• Housing is not provided, but options may be available in central Arkansas.
• Temporary employees may be eligible for prorated holiday pay under specific conditions.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with groups and individuals and through mass media.
• Ability to use the computer for program delivery and management.
• Ability to visit clientele at sites throughout the county/area.
• Ability to plan and teach educational programs.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to serve as a positive role model.

Physical Requirements

• Constant physical activity.
• Frequent physical activity.
• Occasional physical activity, including job-related travel, visiting clientele at sites (including farms), standing/walking for long periods, and handling objects up to 25 pounds.

Qualifications

• Junior or senior-level undergraduate students currently enrolled in any U.S. institution.
• Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be in good academic standing with the university.
• Priority will be given to students from traditionally underserved minorities, first-generation college students, students from institutions with limited research opportunities, and students with a minimum of 45 credit hours at the time of application.

Application Instructions

Complete the online UADA application and submit the following:

• Personal Essay (≤ 1-page, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, single-spaced) addressing:
• Focus Area of interest
• Background/life history (≤ 300 words)
• Long-term career goals (≤ 200 words)
• How this program/focus area helps address career goals (≤ 300 words)
• Letter of Reference (1)
• Resume
• Unofficial Transcript

All documents should be provided as PDF files with your first and last name in the file name.

Application Deadline

• Applications are due at midnight on Saturday, January 31, 2027.
• Decisions will be made by Monday, March 2, 2027.