Ohio State University Extension has welcomed several young leaders into a new OSU Extension summer internship program. Beginning June 5, college students from across Ohio started working for 10 weeks this summer in 12 counties.
During the internship program, the students will work with experienced educators to learn about Extension, the role of educators and the scope of Extension work. They will also help develop and implement programs, share science-based information and resources, collaborate with other Extension professionals, and work with volunteers. In addition to local efforts, the interns will participate in two statewide professional development experiences and learn from each other as they share their experiences with the entire intern cohort.
“We’re excited to get these young leaders started in Extension with an in-depth, hands-on experience. The internship program will immerse these students in the world of Extension – giving them an opportunity to ‘try on’ educator responsibilities, share and further develop their own interests and skills, and help OSU Extension continue to bring people and ideas together,” said Dr. Roger A. Rennekamp, director of OSU Extension.
The interns will coordinate with their local educator to focus on one or more of the six Extension impact areas: engaged Ohioans, vibrant communities; environmental quality; health and wellness; job skills and careers; sustainable food systems; and thriving across the life span. Exact duties of each internship position will vary by location. County funds are not being used for this program. Funding is provided by the state Extension office.
The students in the OSU Extension internship program will be working this summer at Adventure Central in Dayton (Montgomery County), as well as in Darke, Defiance, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Mahoning, Medina, Morrow, Ottawa, Pike and Washington counties.
The students, their majors and locations are: Amber Dietz, agricultural communications, and Kristen Eisenhauer, agriscience education (Mahoning County); Heath Fleshman, community leadership (Fayette County); Logan Heiby, agriscience education (Darke County); Mallory Hope, agribusiness and applied economics (Delaware County); Kollin Martin, agribusiness and applied economics (Defiance County; Abigale Motter, agriscience education (Morrow County); Taylor Osborn, community and public health (Pike County); Grace Powers, public health and sociology (Medina County); Morgan Parcher, animal science (Ottawa County); Kristin Ramey, community leadership (Adventure Central); Haley Sherman, agriscience education (Franklin County); and Mariah Stollar, community leadership (Washington County).
Heath Fleshman will be working in the Fayette County office this summer. Be sure to say “hi” to Heath when you see him with Pat Brinkman or one of the other Extension educators.
More information about the OSU Extension internship program is available at http://go.osu.edu/OSUEinternships. For more information, contact Jared Morrison, program coordinator, OSUE Extension program leadership ([email protected]; 614-292-0618).
