By Katie Drewitz, U of M Extension
Each summer, University of Minnesota Extension welcomes undergraduate students interested in crops, livestock, horticulture, natural resources, or communicating science to gain experience through internships. In this paid internship program, interns work closely with Extension educators to learn how Extension translates science-based knowledge for use across Minnesota.
University of Minnesota Extension summer program gives students a season to learn with educators and communities. The three main components of the internship are completing Extension educator-selected project(s); networking with other interns, educators, and specialists in Extension; and learning about the people who work together to achieve Extension’s mission.
The internships are held each summer for 10 to 12 weeks. Applications are now open for Summer 2022. Internships are full time, but there is flexibility based on interns’ school schedules. There are several locations throughout Minnesota, including Stearns, Benton, and Morrison counties.
Through an internship in Stearns, Benton, and Morrison counties, the selected intern will have the opportunity to work with three local Extension educators on a variety of projects to gain an in-depth understanding of the many aspects of county-based Extension work.
Deliverables include:
• Write weekly newspaper articles and participate in monthly radio shows.
• Assisting with data collection for on-farm research trials and field days.
• Providing technical assistance on-farm and in the office to Extension stakeholders.
• Work with Extension Master Gardener volunteers on summer programming.
• Helping coordinate events including but not limited to plant sales, breakfast on the farm, county fair activities, and field days.
• Participate in the creation of multimedia projects including video creation, podcasts, digital marketing, and more.
• Other projects as assigned to meet the learning objectives of the intern.
To apply for one of the summer internship opportunities available through Extension, undergraduate students must complete the online application. There are applications for University of Minnesota students and non-University of Minnesota students. If you have questions about the internship, please contact your local Extension educator. Candidates interested in the Stearns, Benton, and Morrison counties internships can call (320) 255-6169 ext. 1.