View the internship program frequently asked questions below.

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Q: Where do I find the application for OSU Extension Internships and when are they due?

A: The application is an online submission form. Applications are due October 26, 11:59 p.m.

Q: Are there any suggestions for helping me complete my application?

A: Yes. Some basic suggestions include:

• Be prepared with answers to the following questions that will be asked in the application:
  • Internship Objectives - Briefly describe your goals or reasons for applying for this
    internship. What would you would like to experience and/or what projects you would like
    to plan/conduct in the internship?
  • Extension Mission -- What is your understanding of the purpose of a county Extension
    office and Extension as a whole?
  • Extension Experience – Previous experience is not required but we are interested in
    whether you have ever worked in a County Extension Office or been a recipient of
    Extension programming (4-H member, attended Extension programs, etc.). If yes,
    describe when, where and scope of experiences.
  • County Preference – Rank the counties listed in the application from first choice to last
    choice (the list will be provided in the application)
  • Availability –The start and end dates for interns will occur between May 18 and August
    2, 2026. Experiences can be 8, 9 or 10 weeks. A required in-person full-day orientation
    will take place on May 20, 2026. Would you be able meet these requirements of
    employment between those dates?
  • Personal Schedule -- Are there dates on your calendar during the summer that might
    need to be worked around? (family vacation, wedding, etc.)
• Attachments: Have your transcript and resume’ ready to upload when you complete your
  application. Please use PDF format for these attachments.
• Letter of Recommendation: You will enter an email address in your application from a
  current/former employee or a professor/academic advisor to provide a letter of
  recommendation. The individual will receive an email requesting the letter and will click on a
  link to upload to your application. Please inform that individual you are listing them in your
  application to provide this letter. The due date for the letter of recommendation is October
  31, 5 days after close of application deadline.

Q: Students from what universities are eligible to apply for an OSU Intern position?

A: Eligible students from Oklahoma State University and Langston University must be enrolled as a junior, senior or graduate student.

 

Q: What are the qualifications for the internship position?

A: Interns should be college juniors, seniors or graduate students by the time they begin their internship in May 2026. Interns must be currently enrolled with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students with an interest in Extension careers will be given priority. Preferred majors include degrees in agriculture or family and consumer sciences, dietetics, education, or related fields.

 

Q: Can Dietetics students benefit from an OSU Extension internship?

A: Yes, we have a few counties with FCS educators who have a dietetics background who can assist with providing an experience appropriate for a Dietetic internship within the community. The number of counties is limited and noted in the application.

 

Q: How much will each intern be paid?

A: The pay is $14 per hour for undergraduate students for a 40-hour week for 8-10 weeks. Graduate student salary is $16 per hour for a 40-hour week for 8-10 weeks.

 

Q: Is there a required orientation? Will I be paid when participating in orientation?

A: Yes, orientation will be held May 20, 2026 at the OSU campus. Intern supervisors will attend with their intern. Interns will be paid for their attendance at the orientation.

 

Q: What will be my responsibility as an intern?

A: The objective of the internship is to provide an opportunity for the students to experience the work that Extension professionals perform. Interns will be asked to plan and teach programs at the local level under the supervision of an Extension professional.

 

Q: Will I receive academic credit for this internship?

A: Credit for this internship is a matter to be determined by the student and his or her professors. OSU Extension will not coordinate credits for internships. Intern supervisors can aid in completing documentation if needed to validate hours or duties performed for internship credit requirements.

 

Q: What is OSU Extension?

A: OSU Extension is an external teaching arm of Oklahoma State University. You can explore more on our Extension website. OSU Extension has a specific range of topics that educators teach. These include agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, community health, and rural and community development. OSU Extension has a presence in each county in Oklahoma. All (or most) US States and many US territories also have Extension programs.

 

Q: What county will I be assigned if accepted as an OSU Extension intern?

A: Interns will be matched with a county acceptable to them and to the host site. To
provide a student with new experiences, placement in the student’s home county will be avoided if possible. Counties and/or District/Area offices apply to serve as a host site and those counties are listed in the application for the applicant to rank. Number of placements is dependent on county host sites available, number of intern applicants and the ability to match interns with counties. Maximum number on intern positions is 10.

 

Q: Are there funds to help with living arrangements in the counties?

A: There are no funds to help with living expenses in the counties. Some counties may be able to assist in finding local arrangements for housing but are not required to do so. It is the responsibility of the intern to find housing for the summer.

 

Q: Are there funds to help support my work in the county?

A: The intern and their supervisor will submit a budget proposal for a maximum of $100 per week to help support the internship. These funds can be used for travel or supplies needed to help plan, conduct, and evaluate programs or events associated with the internship. For example, an 8-week internship will have $800 available. As internships are limited to 10 weeks, a maximum of $1,000 is available per internship. Travel is often with the educator(s) who can provide shared transportation. Travel is not provided to and from your residence to the office (commuting mileage). You will be allowed to recover approved registration fees for meetings, conferences, etc. that are part of the county intern’s approved budget.

 

Q: Are there reporting requirements?

A: If the student is involved in an internship program through a department (with or without credit) where there is a reporting process in place, the student will follow that process. The student will also comply with the requirements of the OSU Extension Intern Program. The reporting requirements for the internship include:

• Periodic virtual check-in meetings to discuss topics or share information.
• A 2-page written report about the special project completed.
• A video not to exceed 5 minutes that showcases the variety of experiences the intern
  observed, assisted, or taught and the special project.
• Intern self-appraisal and performance appraisal with supervisor and County Extension Director.

Q: Is there any other recognition or scholarship opportunities from serving as an OSU Extension Intern?

A: Interns will be evaluated on their participation in online sessions, written report, video, self-appraisal and performance appraisal. One intern will be selected as the Outstanding OSU Extension Intern. The student will be recognized at the OSU Extension Biennial Conference, County Directors’ Conference, or another appropriate event in January. The award will be a plaque and a $250 scholarship.

 

Q: Are there behavioral expectations or a position description?

A: Yes, both documents require intern and supervisor signatures before beginning the internship. Interns are expected to act as professionals in the communities where they complete their internship. The student will be expected to meet the standards of professionalism as described in the Behavioral Guidelines and Position Description posted online.

 

Q: When will I know if I get an internship?

A: Interviews will be conducted in early November. Positions will be filled before the University closes for Winter break.

 

Q: Will the 40-hour work week be limited to Monday through Friday? Will I have every weekend off?

A: The 40-hour work week will be established between the intern and their county supervisor(s). Many county events take place in the evenings and/or on the weekend, so some night and weekend work may be required to fully “experience” the role of the educator. Hours will be limited to 40 hours per week but schedule will vary from week to week.

 

Q: Will there be opportunity for me to network with other interns?

A: Yes, interns will have opportunities to meet each other during orientation and when attending multi-county, district or state events. A bi-weekly webinar will be hosted for interns to share information and discuss topics. The webinar will be hosted by the Program & Personnel Development Specialist. The schedule will be shared prior to internship beginning so dates can be put on the calendar.