Extension Scholar Program
Extension Scholar Program
About this Project
During the Extension Scholar program summer internship, students will follow Cooperative Extension's service learning model, implemented through one of extension's four program areas: 4-H youth development, health and well-being, lawn and garden, and agriculture and natural resources. Current undergraduate or graduate students at UD are eligible to participate. Opportunities are available in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.
"Because of my time [as an Extension Scholar], I discovered a passion and love for education and extension work. I hope to graduate with my Ph.D. this upcoming spring and pursue a career in teaching and Cooperative Extension."
Video: Extension Scholars: A summer of experiential learning: youtube.com/watch?v=RuSzXJ9EEZE
What is an Extension Scholar?
Our Extension Scholars program offers UD students a unique, hands-on 10-week summer experiential learning environment under the guidance of extension agents or specialists.
During this summer internship, students will follow Cooperative Extension's service learning model, implemented through one of extension's four program areas: 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, lawn and garden, and agriculture and natural resources.
Any current undergraduate, in the summer following freshmen year and beyond, or graduate students at UD are eligible to participate and opportunities are available in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.
While this program does provide a stipend for participants, interns will be expected to provide their own transportation, and mileage to and from work is at the intern’s expense.
Become a 2025 Extension Scholar
Applications for the Extension Scholar program are now open.
Engaging with the community is fulfilling work. It makes us better researchers and better teachers. And being able to share this passion with students so that they grow to be engaged with their communities as well… that’s a wonderful story for the University to tell.
associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and director of the University’s Cooperative Extension
Eligibility
Current undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Delaware.
Purpose
The Extension Scholars program is designed to follow the service-learning model, whereby scholars will have an opportunity to become fully engaged in organizational service experiences that:
- Are integrated into the academic curriculum
- Meet the needs of a community
- Provide structured time for reflection
- Help to foster civic responsibility
Opportunities
Extension Scholars expand their knowledge and participate in the delivery of Extension programming. Scholars have the opportunity to develop leadership and interpersonal skills, learn about careers in Extension, and apply knowledge gained through university coursework.
Summer scholar experiential learning may include designing and delivering educational programs and resources, analyzing data and evaluating program impact in the community, designing survey instruments and completing assessments, working with volunteers, stakeholders, and the public, fostering partnerships and pursuing funding, and more! View the position descriptions.
Locations
Cooperative Extension Offices:
- New Castle County Extension Office, Newark DE
- Kent County Extension Office, Dover, DE
- Sussex County Extension Office, Georgetown, DE
- Off-site Locations as Needed
Expectations
- The Summer Scholar Program is a full-time, 10-week session: June 9 – August 14, 2025.
- The program commences on Monday, June 9 with a required Orientation.
- Scholars participate in the Service-Learning Symposium held the last Thursday of the session (August 14), which requires a poster or oral presentation.
- Scholars must provide their own transportation (mileage reimbursement is available).
Application Process and Deadlines:
- February 21, 2025: Online application due
- Early March 2025: Selection committee will conduct personal interviews.
- March 31, 2025: Awarded Scholars will be notified via email.
Stipend:
Summer Scholars will receive a student stipend in the amount of $4,500 split over two payments. $3000 is distributed within the first two weeks of the session. The remaining $1500 is distributed in early August.
If you need further information, please contact:
Jenn Volk, Ph.D., Associate Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, via Kaci Gravatt, Administrative Assistant, at kgravatt@udel.edu or (302) 831-2504.