Experiential Scholars Program (ESP) Intern

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

No

Job Type:

Temporary (Fixed Term)No

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus with faculty based on University campuses at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES) and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

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Department:

CES Assoc. Prof. - Leadership * Community Professional & Economic Development of Job Duties:The Experiential Scholars Program (ESP) is a nine-week summer paid internship program at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA) intended for college juniors and seniors to work in one of three focus areas: 1) water/soil conservation 2) food nutrition health and safety or 3) community/economic development.

Visit website for additional information.

Each scholar will be assigned a focus area mentor. Mentors will train provide hands-on learning opportunities and will work with interns to develop a special project such as a field demonstration organizing a public meeting or other related task as part of the internship.

Seeks information from mentors and colleagues regarding the history purpose and mission of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Job shadows and assists mentor or designee in their day-to-day activities as a means of simulating what Extension education is all about in terms of technical programming building trust through relationships serving a partner serving clientele facilitating meetings conducting field demonstrations farm visits planning evaluation etc.
Participates in leadership training via Zoom where students interact with each other share their experiences and learn leadership skills as applied in Extension.
Conducts an independent project in focus area. (Interns will work with mentor to select an Extension project that the scholar will conduct evaluate and complete an impact report. Mentors will provide guidelines as to the appropriate scale of a project that can be completed in nine weeks and that targets a need in the county or state. Some examples include field demonstrations conducting research organizing and conducting a public meeting workshop or training etc.)
Maintains a log or journal outlining internship experiences to complete the required Record of Internship. Completes and submits Record of Internship at the conclusion of the internship.

Compensation:
Interns will work up to 40 hours per week for a maximum of nine weeks in the summer at an hourly rate of $12.50.
Hourly paid employees who are considered temporary or part-time are not benefit eligible and are on a REARS payment schedule. For example - Interns starting on May 18 2026 will be paid hourly and will receive their first paycheck on the payroll payment date of June 13 2026.
Travel will be reimbursed at the current rate of .52 per mile.
Housing is not provided. However the primary location for internships is central Arkansas. If needed housing options may be available. Please contact Kayla Machen at to discuss.

Holiday Pay
Temporary employees may be eligible for prorated holiday pay if they average at least 20 hours per week over the four weeks prior to the holiday. Eligibility also requires the employee to be in pay status for at least 15 minutes on their last scheduled workday before and first scheduled workday after the holiday.
The calculation for holiday pay is based on the average number of hours worked in the four weeks immediately preceding the holiday. To calculate the paid holiday hours the average weekly hours are divided by five. This number is then rounded to the nearest quarter hour. For example if an employee averages 20.75 hours per week over the four-week period they would be paid for 4.25 hours for the holiday (20.75 / 5 4.15 rounded to 4.25).

Qualifications:

• Junior or senior-level undergraduate students who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. currently enrolled in any U.S. institution are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to students from traditionally underserved minorities first-generation college students students from institutions with limited research opportunities and students who have a minimum of 45 credit hours at the time of application.
• Students must possess a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing with the university.
• Job related travel including overnight stays; visiting clientele at sites throughout the county (including farms); standing/walking for long periods of time; handling of objects up to 25 pounds.
• Must have demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing with groups and individuals and through mass media. Ability to use the computer for program delivery and management. Ability to visit clientele at sites throughout the county/area. Ability to plan and teach educational programs. Demonstrated leadership and ability to serve as a positive role model.

A nine-week summer internship program supported by USDA-NIFA Award -40315.

Additional Information:

Application Instructions

• Complete online UADA application
• Submit
  • Personal Essay 1-page (12-point font 1-inch margins single-spaced)
    • Please address the following:
      • List Focus Area of interest
      • What is your background/life history ( 300 words)
      • What are your long-term career goals ( 200 words)
      • How does participating in this summer program and/or learning about focus area help address your career goals ( 300 words)
  • Letter of Reference (1)
  • Resume
  • Unofficial Transcript
    

We recommend that you carefully develop your personal essay. All documents should be provided as PDF files with your first and last name included in the file name.

Application Deadline
Applications are due at midnight on Saturday January 31 2026. Decisions will be made by Monday March 2 2026.

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