Extension

As an OSU Extension intern, Emma Lewis worked with 4-H youth, agricultural producers and community members. (Photo by Mitchell Alcala, OSU Agriculture)

 

Emma Lewis was selected as the 2023 Outstanding Intern for Oklahoma State University Extension.

 

Lewis is a junior at OSU studying animal science with a ranch operations option. She interned at the OSU Extension office in Grady County this summer.

 

Liz Taylor, Grady County Extension director and 4-H educator, said Lewis was a reliable intern who asked questions and brought new ideas to the office. Lewis helped implement different projects and workshops, including a squid dissection activity with 4-H members.

 

“I wouldn’t have ever thought of 4-H members dissecting squid, but she brought new activities and new energy,” Taylor said. “She was one of the most popular interns we’ve ever had.”

 

Throughout the internship, Lewis grew in her ability to work with the public, producers and 4-H youth. She teamed up with producers to educate children about where their food comes from and hosted a workshop to inform consumers about grilling beef, including what cuts of beef to purchase and where to source it from.

 

“My summer in Grady County truly taught me all that Extension has to offer for community members of all ages,” Lewis said. “Working alongside Liz showed me just how much of a positive impact we can have on kids.”

 

OSU Extension offers 8-10 internships each summer based on county office needs. Each of the 77 counties in Oklahoma is invited to apply for a summer intern in their office.

 

“The need for an intern for Grady County is to have extra help with youth programming in the summer,” Taylor said.

 

Grady County Extension holds three summer school programs and weekly workshops for kids, so Lewis focused on youth development and 4-H programming. She also participated in producer meetings and assisted with co-parenting classes, all while completing her projects and workshops.

 

“This internship helped me know that I am capable of doing anything I put my mind to,” Lewis said.

 

Taylor recommends an OSU Extension internship to any college junior, senior or graduate student exploring possible career options and interested in educating others. 

 

“There is an incredible group of people in Grady County,” Lewis said. “I am very blessed to have been able to work with them, get to know them and laugh with them.”