Summer Internship Program: Virginia Tech/Youth Animal Science

Primary Program Area Focus: 4-H and ANR

1. Describe your plans for this internship.  (i.e. What specifically will the intern be doing?)

The Intern will work primarily with 4-H and FFA Youth Animal Science Programming
throughout the summer months, while also having the opportunity to engage in limited adult programming for VCE ANR and 4-H Agents with an Animal Science Focus. This position will operate under the supervision of the Youth Animal Science Team on Campus at VA Tech, but will require and allow for travel to events that are held in other areas of the Commonwealth.

Skills, interests, and qualifications:
An interest in Youth Animal Science Programming, positive youth development, and the desire to combine those two priorities into impactful, efficient, and effective programs for Virginia 4-H and FFA Youth.  Some knowledge of 4-H and FFA programs, event planning, and experience with one or more of the following species: Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Meat Goats, Dairy Goats, Sheep, Swine, Horses, Companion Animals.
Proficiency with a personal computer and experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Publisher.
The ability to multi-task, be a self-starter, work independently, pay attention to detail, and communicate effectively with adults and youth of all ages.
Transportation to and from campus will be required.
Experience in social media platforms, creation of flyers, and mixed media production is helpful.

Job Description and Expectations:
In-person, work in the office during office hours, unless otherwise directed.
Off-site event/programming as needed for contests, workshops, farm visits, etc. A “normal” summer includes contests/events at State FFA Convention (VT), State 4-H Congress (VT), VA Lamb and Goat Symposium (Dublin), Various County Fairs across the State (as needed), Farm
Visits to confirm ownership and possession of State Fair Nominated Animals.
Assist with administrative duties in preparation for the above listed events, as well as State Fair of VA Nomination and Entry, State 4-H Horse and Pony Show, and YQCA Certifications for Youth across Virginia.

Development of Contest Resources for State 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contests, State FFA Dairy Products CDE, State FFA Hippology Contest, Lamb and Goat Symposium and any other events associated with the Youth Animal Science Team.
Update the VA Youth Livestock and Horse Program Websites with contest results, former contest resources, and other necessary information.
Assist with planning and administrative responsibilities for the VCE ANR Agent - Animal Science In-Service Meeting held on the campus of VA Tech.
Internship will run Mid-May to Mid-August, with a flexible schedule, depending on upcoming events and off site activities.

2.  Describe the knowledge / skills you expect the intern to gain from this experience.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to engage in and assist with planning State-Level youth animal science educational events and competitions.
They will learn to work with a variety of adult educators - both ANR and 4-H Agents, as well as FFA Advisors and program volunteers who serve as coaches and mentors to Virginia youth, as well as the State Youth Animal Science Team and other School of Animal Science Extension Specialists.
Planning, administration, and content development skills will be established and/or broadened with respect to youth programs and each level of programming from planning to implementation, and finally evaluation.
Problem-solving and conflict resolution as it applies to working with Unit Agents who are requesting assistance with local issues in youth animal science programs.
Understanding of rules and regulations for events and shows for multiple species that are run by the Youth Animal Science Team.
Differences in planning youth events versus adult events with Animal Science as the topic focus area.
The importance of communication and time management when working in a team atmosphere on a variety of events scheduled in a short period of time.
A greater appreciation of the scope of Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and
programming efforts, the stakeholders involved, and the number of youth (and adults) impacted by these opportunities.

3. How will the intern learn about the breadth of VCE and our various program areas?

Even though this position will have a youth focus, with limited adult-specific programming, it will provide the opportunity for the successful applicant to engage and communicate with VCE Field Faculty from both the 4-H and ANR discipline, as well as our VCE colleagues in Agriculture Education that serve as FFA Chapter Advisors. These role models and mentors can provide insight into how they work with youth, adjust to challenges that may be different for varied age groups, and give the intern experience in working with the two largest positive youth development organizations in the world, 4-H and FFA.
While a Unit internship provides the opportunity to work with a select group of local agents, this position allows for engagement with adult Extension faculty from across the Commonwealth, that program in different geographic areas and with varied demographic populations and challenges. Equally important is the opportunity to work with a variety of species and industry professionals to further broaden the interns knowledge of the Virginia Animal Agriculture Industry and the programs offered for Virginia youth.
Finally, State-level programming can have different procedures and challenges than programs planned and conducted at the Unit level. This internship offers a unique opportunity to see how programs/competitions/events open to all Virginia youth versus those from one Unit, school, or smaller geographic area are planned, administered, and evaluated.