CSU Extension offering 80 paid summer internships for undergrad and grad students
Summer may still feel a ways off, but CSU students can take a major step in lining up their plans by applying to a wide range of paid internships offered by CSU Extension, spanning dozens of counties across Colorado.
Undergraduate and graduate students from any major or program have the opportunity to spend their summers getting hands-on experience studying pollinators on green roofs; designing, building and maintaining a high altitude demonstration garden; exploring food banks as community mental health resources for rural families; using drones to address pressing agricultural challenges and so much more.
Most of the internships include fieldwork off-campus, with housing and travel stipends available for interns to live in – and explore – communities across the state, from the picturesque mountain regions to urban centers, across the High Plains and deep into high-producing ag counties.
CSU Extension experts partner with faculty across the University to create the internships, all of which contain an applied research component, meaning that the work has real-world applications and can be used to help people and communities across Colorado. Each intern is also connected with a team of experienced mentors who will help guide them through the project.
Why apply?
“These internships are a really great way for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to make a difference in Colorado communities,” said Rebecca Hill, an Extension specialist who helps coordinate the internship program and also serves as the co-director of the Colorado AgrAbility Project.
“Our interns develop new skills, build their resumes and become part of the collaborative network of experts, educators and engaged students who are involved with the program,” continued Hill.
“It’s also not uncommon for interns to be hired by academic departments to continue their work during the school year after demonstrating their abilities over the summer.”
CSU students from any major or program can apply.
Eligibility is limited to non-graduating students (those who will be returning to campus for the 2024 Fall semester).
Most internships are open to both undergraduate and graduate students, although a few are limited to graduate students as noted in the position descriptions.
Undergraduate students are paid $5,000 and graduate students are paid $7,000. Housing and travel stipends are also available for many of the internships.
All internships are 10 weeks long, with flexible start dates beginning as early as mid-May. Interns are expected to work 30 hours per week.
Yes! Students are encouraged to apply to more than one internship to increase their chances of securing a summer position.
There are no restrictions on which majors can apply to which internships.
There is no required experience for any of the internships. However, if you have prior experience that relates to the position it will make your application more competitive. If you don’t have prior experience, think about what other factors may make you a good fit for the internship and share them in your application.
Each internship has a link to apply on its overview page.
When applying, you’ll need to answer basic questions about your academic level, demographics and who your advisor is. You will also need to upload your resume and answer three short open-ended questions for each internship you apply to, including:
- Why are you interested in this internship?
- What do you hope to learn from this internship and how will it help you achieve your career goals?
- Tell us a little about yourself: Where you are from, why are you at CSU and studying what you’re studying, and what are your career ambitions?
For full consideration, applications are due Jan. 28 by 11:59 MST.
If you have any questions, please contact Kyla Davis at kylam.davis@colostate.edu
In their own voices: Internship highlights
“The value of the program is getting out into the field … it’s more of a real world experience than just sitting in the classroom.”
– Mary Graham, 2022 avian health intern
CSU DVM candidate
“One of the biggest things that I’ve learned was to stay organized when designing my own projects, along with being able to break down complex scientific issues.”
– Chris Piccione, 2021 data mapping intern
Environmental Scientist with MarCom
“I’m really, really passionate about enacting actual change and empowering people in the community and so having this opportunity has enabled me to live out those dreams.”
– Riley Lynch, 2022 environmental horticulture intern
Program associate at the Colorado Stormwater Center
“Throughout this internship I have been making professional connections … and I really believe it will help me in future professional development.”
– Azmal Hossan, 2021 ag water use intern
CSU PhD student and National Research Trainee
“This internship really helped highlight that my passion is making a positive impact in the communities that I’m working in.”
– Aisha Martinek, 2018 food insecurity intern
Founder of The NoCo Box
“Taking all this in-depth research and resources and taking it out to the community [is what I really appreciate about Extension]. That should be the whole point of what we’re doing because then folks are able to use it, apply it and get results.”
– Joy Enyinnaya, 2022 vaccine hesitancy intern
Assistant professor at University of the Fraser Valley