Experiential Scholars Program (ESP) Intern

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

135d • $13

About The Position

The Experiential Scholars Program (ESP) is a nine-week summer paid internship program at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA) intended for college juniors and seniors to work in one of three focus areas: 1) water/soil conservation, 2) food nutrition, health, and safety, or 3) community/economic development. Visit website for additional information. Each scholar will be assigned a focus area mentor. Mentors will train, provide hands-on learning opportunities, and will work with interns to develop a special project such as a field demonstration, organizing a public meeting, or other related task as part of the internship. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Requirements

• Junior or senior-level undergraduate students who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. currently enrolled in any U.S. institution are eligible to apply.
• Students must possess a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing with the university.
• Job related travel including overnight stays; visiting clientele at sites throughout the county (including farms); standing/walking for long periods of time; handling of objects up to 25 pounds.
• Must have demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing with groups and individuals and through mass media.
• Ability to use the computer for program delivery and management.
• Ability to visit clientele at sites throughout the county/area.
• Ability to plan and teach educational programs.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to serve as a positive role model.

Nice To Haves

• Priority will be given to students from traditionally underserved minorities, first-generation college students, students from institutions with limited research opportunities, and students who have a minimum of 45 credit hours at the time of application.

Responsibilities

• Seeks information from mentors and colleagues regarding the history, purpose, and mission of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
• Job shadows and assists mentor or designee in their day-to-day activities as a means of simulating what Extension education is all about in terms of technical programming, building trust through relationships, serving a partner, serving clientele, facilitating meetings, conducting field demonstrations, farm visits, planning, evaluation etc.
• Participates in leadership training via Zoom where students interact with each other, share their experiences, and learn leadership skills as applied in Extension.
• Conducts an independent project in focus area. (Interns will work with mentor to select an Extension project that the scholar will conduct, evaluate, and complete an impact report. Mentors will provide guidelines as to the appropriate scale of a project that can be completed in nine weeks and that targets a need in the county or state. Some examples include field demonstrations, conducting research, organizing and conducting a public meeting, workshop, or training, etc.)
• Maintains a log, or journal, outlining internship experiences to complete the required Record of Internship. Completes and submits Record of Internship at the conclusion of the internship.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees