Lynchburg
Primary Program Area Focus: 4-H/Agriculture and Natural Resources
Describe the plans for this internship. (i.e. What specifically will the intern be doing?)
This internship will support the current programming of the Lynchburg Virginia Cooperative Extension office in several ways in the two program areas: 4-H Youth Development (4-H) and Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR). The intern will assist on a variety of assignments and special projects that include but are not limited to:
- Urban Agriculture Day Preparation
- Assist in the coordination of the Urban Agriculture Summit
- Assist with Appomattox / Lynchburg 4-H Camp
- Development of a monthly Unit newsletter.
- Assist with the Master Gardener Help Line and develop a presentation of the Help Line findings/solutions monthly
- Leading Compost and Rain Barrel Workshops throughout Lynchburg
- Volunteer Development
- Assist the Master Gardeners with Educational opportunities
- Shadow Extension Agent, SNAP-Ed, Master Gardeners in the field
The Intern will develop a complete educational program: advertisement, supply management, fundraising, delivery, and program evaluation. The subject matter can be modeled on programs previously given by the Agent, from other Extension Agents, or the Intern's passion. This project will be approved and guided by the Agent.
Describe the knowledge / skills that the intern is expected to gain from this experience.
The intern will learn about the different programming areas that exist within Lynchburg VCE and will gain a sense of what it would be like to be an extension agent. He/She will polish his/her time management and multi-tasking skills as he/she handles the many preparations that must be made to implement extension programming. The intern will learn about the many aspects of event planning including marketing, layout, acquiring permits, contracting vendors, budgeting, arranging for exhibitors, parking, signage, and volunteer coordination. The intern will work in the office and in the field, and so will learn about office culture and likely gain many valuable computer skills, but will also have opportunities to improve upon his/her interactions with the public. The intern will also gain experience in efficient problem solving as he/she works through unexpected problems as they arise.
The intern will work in the office and in the field. The intern will learn skills needed to work with clients, professionals, and volunteers; group and individual projects. The intern will see how Extension is integrated within an urban locality and the importance of urban agriculture.
How will the intern learn about the breadth of VCE and our various program areas?
Working with volunteers and extension clients, the intern will have a chance to understand how VCE benefits residents of Virginia, specifically in an urban environment.
The Intern will be exposed to the wide array of programs offered by the Lynchburg Unit – 4-H and ANR. The Intern will have opportunity to meet PD 11 Extension Agents and Master Gardener Program Leaders. There will be opportunities to network with other Central District Extension Agents and industry professionals within the area. Working across program areas and with volunteers, the intern will gain a complete understanding of the VCE programs in Lynchburg City.