Summer Internship Program: Alexandria City

Primary Program Area Focus: 4-H  

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

The intern will assist mainly with, but not limited to, 4-H programming in the Alexandria recreation centers by bringing various 4-H curriculum to their summer camp youth, in addition to other identified programming needs in the community. Alexandria VCE has an established strong partnership with the recreation centers and we are looking for an enthusiastic intern to promote VCE to their youth and families, incorporating all the programs we offer to our community. This will involve exposure to areas in 4-H, ANR (agriculture and natural resources), and FCS (family and consumer sciences). The intern will bring together 4-H, ANR, and FCS programming in a manner such as teaching youth how to garden with the help of our extensive Master Gardener program and healthy living with our Master Food Volunteers.

The intern will have flexibility in the curriculum they can select to facilitate and will be encouraged to develop programs related to personal interests, as long as the programs meet locally identified needs. There will also be opportunities to participate in other extension activities, including the Arlington County Fair, camp prep, and club involvement, if desired. Office work will be minimal and will be mainly hands-on focused.

2. Describe the knowledge / skills that the intern is expected to gain from this experience.

·      Strong time management

·      Effective and professional communication in a work and public setting

·      Cross-teams and cross-departmental communication

·      Awareness of VCE programs, especially in urban area

·      Community development and engagement

·      Planning and organizational skills

·      Program planning, implementation, and evaluation

·      Understanding the various needs of a highly diverse population

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

Alexandria VCE is an excellent example of cooperative extension programming in densely urban areas. It highlights how these programs can develop outside the typical rural setting to help build resilient and thriving communities. The intern will work mainly with the 4-H Agent, but will also engage with our ANR and FCS agent to provide well-rounded programs.

The intern’s training and responsibilities will be carried out in a hands-on manner.  This is not simply an observational opportunity, but rather a chance for the intern to be trained directly by VCE faculty. The intern will be exposed to people from a wide range of backgrounds and interact with a very diverse community, learning how VCE serves all people in the community and 4-H is opportunity for all.