Project Goals
Develop and support a cohort of ̽̽ interns working in Vermont communities outside of Chittenden County by
- Paying interns a livable wage;
- Coordinating and supporting local housing for interns ;
- Facilitating cultural competence training for students working in rural communities;
- Bringing ̽̽ student skills and talent to rural Vermont.
Support rural employers by addressing common barriers to hosting interns
- Offer internship program development and management resources;
- Provide wage subsidy for interns;
- Co-facilitate reflection and professional development workshops for the interns;
- Introduce ̽̽ students to a vibrant rural economy.
Prototype and evaluate summer internship program pilots in rural Vermont communities
What are the barriers to hosting interns in your community? What supports would be most helpful to employers interested in hosting ̽̽ interns? The ̽̽ Office of Engagement seeks partnerships with local Regional Development Corporations and other community organizations to help manifest these goals in every sector of Vermont.
Want to learn more?
Contact Statewide Summer Internship Project Program Director Kristen Andrews at Kristen.andrews@uvm.edu
Interns respond to trying times in the summer of 2023
Last summer, ̽̽ interns in the central Vermont Pilot Project provide value for central Vermont businesses during a summer that featured heavy rains and flooding in the region.
Read the story2023 Central Vermont Summer Internship Project Pilot
2023 Pilot Project
The 2023 pilot project described above resulted from a partnership between the ̽̽ Office of Engagement (OoE) and the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation (CVEDC).
The program ran for ten weeks (May 30-Aug 4, 2023) and engaged a cohort of 11 interns at a total of nine sites in Central Vermont. CVEDC Executive Director, Melissa Bounty used her network to identify and engage interested Central Vermont employers. Kristen Andrews, OoE Internship Coordinator, developed and managed the pilot, including leading weekly professional development workshops for the cohort of interns.
Overall, the Central Vermont Summer Internship Project Pilot was a success. Washington County businesses that had never hosted an intern before received financial and program support to do so. All expressed interest in continued partnership with ̽̽ and in hiring more interns in the future.
“̽̽ students worked in engaging, well paidwell-paid positions in Vermont, outside of Chittenden County, made strong community connections, and contributed their skills and expertise to the rural economic landscape. The interns enjoyed a dynamic community of fellow interns and learned and reflected upon new learning and insights.”
- Kristen Andrews, Statewide Summer Internship Project Program Director