Summer Internship Program: Hanover County

Primary Program Area Focus:   4-H

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

The intern will work alongside agents in the Hanover Unit to deliver educational programming.  While the internship will primarily support the 4-H goal of youth agricultural education the intern will also have the oopportunities to participate in programming typcial of ANR agents, ensuring a well-rounded Extenson office experience.

A major component of teh internship will involve assisting with final preperations for 4-H overnight camp in Jamestown and gaining hands-on experience delivering porgramming during the July 6-10 camps sesson.  The intern will collaborate closely with the 4-H agent and take a lead role in day camp activities focused on youth gardening and natural resources.  ALthought they will be encouraged to design new programs thatmeet educational objectives, they will also receive support through existing curricula, including the "Jam n Jam' program, which teaches youth about local foods, harvesting, and afood preparation.

Because volunteer engagement is essential to Extension success, the intern will learn about volunteer management by working with Master Gardener and 4-H volunteers and supporting them in program delivery.  After gaining an understanding of volunteer management fundamentals, the intern will help recruit volunteers and deliver targeted training to support ongoing programs.

To gain exposure to ANR programming, the intern will participate in the Virginia Household Water Quality well-water testing event, learning about program design, delivery, and evaluation within a long-standing and impactful iniative.  Building connections with local government and the community is another key responsibility of ANR agents and Unit Coordinators.  To develop experience in this area, the intern will assist with planning and implementing the 50-Mile Meal, and event that brings together local producers and government officials to share a meal and discuss the agricultural industery in Hanover.

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

Educational program design, program delivery, marketing, risk management, communication, working with local government, budgeting working with youth, adherence to civil rights, Volunteer management, inclusivity.

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

The summer 10-week internship is at a time when many of the Hanover Unit's key programs are running, including those described in the plans for the internship.  The intern will play a role in the success of thse programs, which includes a mix of local and state-initiative programs.  We intend to have the intern shadow agents in other aspects of the job, attend meetings, and explore other areas of interest.  The intern will be introduced to other local agents to gain insight into how other offices work and specific program areas for their communities.