Summer Internship Program:Mathews County

Primary Program Area Focus: 4-H

1. Describe your plans for this internship.  (i.e. What specifically will the intern be doing?
Intern for Chesterfield will focus on Home Food Production and Preservation

 This internship provides a hands-on learning experience focused on 4-H Youth Development programming in Mathews county.  The intern will work closely with the 4-H Extension Agent to understand the full Extension programming process - from identifying community needs to planning, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.

The intern will begin by shadowing the 4-H Agent and gradually take on more responsibiliity.  A key component will be designing and imlementing an intern-led 4-H program or educational activity with guidance from the supervising agent.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Shadowing the 4-H Agent during program planning, partner meetings, outreach, and delivery.
• Assisting with existing 4-H programs, including environmental education and youth development activities.
• Supporting 4-H Clubs, workshops, and special events through activity preparation and youth engagement.
• Designing planning, and delivering a small-scale 4H educational program based on community needs and intern interests.
• Assisting with program evaluation, including collecting participant feedback and documentingn outcomes.
• Helping with outreach efforts such as flyers, social media posts, and program summaries under staff supervision.
• Paricipatingin office activities, planning meetings, and collaborative work with Extension staff and partners.
• Attending and actively supporting Mahews County Junior 4-H Camp (July 13-17), assisting with youth supervision and educational activities.

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

 Although the internship focuses on 4-H, the intern will gain insight into the broader mission and interdisciplinary work of Virginia Cooperative Extension.  This will include:

• Orientation to VCE's mission, structure, and role within local government and Virginia Tech.
• Opportunities to interact with Extension staff in Agriculture and Natural Rescources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and other program areas.
• Participation in interdisciplinary programs or events that demonstrate how multiple Extension areas collaborate to address community needs.
• Attendance at staff meetings trainings and county-or district-level acivities to observe Extension operatons.
• Ongoing reflection with the supervising agent to connect daily experiences to the broader Extension system and public service mission.

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

By the conclusion of the internship, the intern will understand how local 4-H programming fits within the larger Virginia Cooperative Extension framework and how Extension professionals serve communities through education, partnerships, and outreach.