What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Student Intern - Cooperative Extension position at Inside Higher Ed?
TITLE: Summer Student Intern
DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program
REPORTS TO: Associate Extension Administrator
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-Temporary
EFFECTIVE DATE: Summer 2026
LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Temporary Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
Job Summary
The Summer Student Internship within the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience across multiple Extension disciplines. Interns will work directly with Extension professionals in program areas such as Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community Resource Development, and 4-H Youth Development.
This internship is designed to prepare students for careers in Cooperative Extension, public service, and community-based education by integrating experiential learning, program delivery, and professional development. Interns will actively contribute to Extension programming and gain exposure to the diverse needs of communities across Kentucky.
Essential Job Functions
Assist Extension agents and specialists in the planning, coordination, and delivery of educational programs and outreach activities.
Support implementation of Extension events, including youth summer camps, field days, workshops, and community programs across the state.
Develop and/or contribute to educational materials (e.g., newsletters, fact sheets, social media content, presentations).
Participate in applied research, demonstrations, and program evaluations, including data collection and basic analysis.
May support routine farm operations include crop and livestock management if applicable to position
Provide logistical and administrative support for Extension programming and events.
Engage with diverse audiences, including youth, families, farmers, and community stakeholders.
Attend professional meetings, trainings, and seminars to enhance understanding of Extension systems and career pathways.
Maintain weekly activity logs and complete a final report or presentation summarizing internship experiences.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required
Strong communication and interpersonal skillsPrevious experience in Extension, community engagement, agriculture, youth programming, or related areas.
Interest in public service, education, or outreach careers.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and/or basic data management tools.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does have supervisory responsibility.
Other Duties
Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Currently enrolled undergraduate student at Kentucky State University (or another accredited institution, if applicable).
Academic interest in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, youth development, community development, or a related field.
Strong work ethic with willingness to engage in both office and field-based activities.
Effective communication and organizational skills.
Licensing And Certifications
None
Working Conditions
Combination of indoor office work and outdoor field activities.
Travel to Extension sites and events across Kentucky may be required.
Ability to work evenings or occasional weekends for events (e.g., camps, workshops).
Physical activity may include standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 25-40 lbs).
Additional Information
Interested candidates should submit: 1) a resume, and 2) a brief statement of interest (1 page max)
Successful candidates are eligible for on-campus housing; however, housing costs are the responsibility of the intern and must be paid out of pocket.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program
REPORTS TO: Associate Extension Administrator
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-Temporary
EFFECTIVE DATE: Summer 2026
LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Temporary Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
Job Summary
The Summer Student Internship within the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience across multiple Extension disciplines. Interns will work directly with Extension professionals in program areas such as Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community Resource Development, and 4-H Youth Development.
This internship is designed to prepare students for careers in Cooperative Extension, public service, and community-based education by integrating experiential learning, program delivery, and professional development. Interns will actively contribute to Extension programming and gain exposure to the diverse needs of communities across Kentucky.
Essential Job Functions
Assist Extension agents and specialists in the planning, coordination, and delivery of educational programs and outreach activities.
Support implementation of Extension events, including youth summer camps, field days, workshops, and community programs across the state.
Develop and/or contribute to educational materials (e.g., newsletters, fact sheets, social media content, presentations).
Participate in applied research, demonstrations, and program evaluations, including data collection and basic analysis.
May support routine farm operations include crop and livestock management if applicable to position
Provide logistical and administrative support for Extension programming and events.
Engage with diverse audiences, including youth, families, farmers, and community stakeholders.
Attend professional meetings, trainings, and seminars to enhance understanding of Extension systems and career pathways.
Maintain weekly activity logs and complete a final report or presentation summarizing internship experiences.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required
Strong communication and interpersonal skillsPrevious experience in Extension, community engagement, agriculture, youth programming, or related areas.
Interest in public service, education, or outreach careers.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and/or basic data management tools.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does have supervisory responsibility.
Other Duties
Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Currently enrolled undergraduate student at Kentucky State University (or another accredited institution, if applicable).
Academic interest in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, youth development, community development, or a related field.
Strong work ethic with willingness to engage in both office and field-based activities.
Effective communication and organizational skills.
Licensing And Certifications
None
Working Conditions
Combination of indoor office work and outdoor field activities.
Travel to Extension sites and events across Kentucky may be required.
Ability to work evenings or occasional weekends for events (e.g., camps, workshops).
Physical activity may include standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 25-40 lbs).
Additional Information
Interested candidates should submit: 1) a resume, and 2) a brief statement of interest (1 page max)
Successful candidates are eligible for on-campus housing; however, housing costs are the responsibility of the intern and must be paid out of pocket.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.