By Karen Johnson, University of Minnesota Extension

Each summer, the 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. 

The 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 the summer of 2022. Internships are full-time, but there is flexibility based on interns’ school schedules. There are several locations throughout Minnesota, including McLeod, Meeker and Wright counties.

Through an internship in McLeod, Meeker and Wright counties, the selected intern will have the opportunity to work 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 radio shows 
• Providing technical assistance on farm and in the office to Extension stakeholders
• Helping coordinate various events in the areas of livestock, crops, and horticulture
• Work with the Extension Master Gardener volunteers on summer programming 
• 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. Application review will begin Monday, January 10, 2022. Apply today by visiting the University of Minnesota Extension’s Career webpage at www.extension.umn.edu/about-extension/careers. These internships are listed under the Center for Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.