Summer Internship Program: Powhatan

Primary Program Area Focus: 4-H, ANR

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

The candidate selected for the summer internship in the Powhatan County Extension Office will support all aspects of the office and work with a variety of individuals, including staff, producers, youth, volunteers and local partners. Most tasks will focus on the 4-H youth development program and the agriculture/natural resources program.

Through the 4-H youth development program, the intern will assist with the program design of a Farm to Table day camp; preparation for the cluster weeklong residential 4-H camp (possibly attend to teach a class); Prepare and assist with 4-day “camp” class to be offered at Powhatan Public Schools; Powhatan Farmers Market – work with market manager to develop a monthly Children’s Corner related to seasonal produce assist with Kids Market as needed

Within the Agriculture & Natural Resources program, the individual will attend field visits related to plants/animal/land management/agribusinesses/etc.; support work with the Agricultural & Forestal District outreach committee (which may include an outreach event and data collection/analysis); assist with evaluations of past programs (ex. well water testing); Update and organize current agribusiness listings and marketing avenues; Crops surveys (assist with any drought declarations, crop damage assessments, etc); Assist with Extension garden/Groove in the Garden programing (harvest/deliver vegetables to Free Clinic/Food Pantry; assist with Master Gardener workshops to introduce clients to recipes using garden produce)

Also develop a marketing plan for unit office, promote office through social media, and assist with capturing impact of the office (pictures, videos, testimonial quotes, etc. from various events throughout the time of the internship) to compile a year-in-review document or video. Administrative tasks as assigned. Within the local government, the intern will attend a Board of Supervisors meeting and learn different ways Extension collaborates and works with county administration.

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

This will be an excellent opportunity for an undergraduate student to learn more about careers with Virginia Cooperative Extension, as well as increase support of the local Extension Office through a demonstration garden during the summer months. The individual hired will collaborate with staff on community programming efforts and gain valuable lessons involving business, marketing, community relations, youth development, and program planning. They will also gain experience working with various audiences including adults, youth, senior citizens, low income residents, community volunteers, partner organizations, and county government. 

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

The intern will learn about the breadth of VCE and our various program areas by working side-by-side with Extension agents. Staff will provide hands-on learning opportunities to work within different program areas and understand the importance of volunteers within Extension. Through the tasks assigned the intern will see how the local Extension office meets the needs of the community. They will also have opportunities to work with surrounding unit staff on joint projects to understand the teamwork and collaboration that goes into Extension programming as well.