CSU Extension Internships

Apply to be an intern

CSU Extension Interns

Summer internship openings post in late January. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.

View 2026 Internship Opportunities

Important Note: Internship application forms may not be immediately available. As these forms become available, listings will be updated. Thank you for your patience as we work through this new system.

A group of CSU Extension interns pose in front of a building
Baca National Wildlife Refuge in Crestone Colorado

Gain hands-on experience

Internships with CSU Extension take place in various locations across the state of Colorado and combine research, program delivery, and information dissemination efforts, with hands-on learning at the local/county level.

Supported by the Office of Engagement and Extension, the Colorado State University Summer Extension Internship Program has helped more than 400 CSU students engage in both research and outreach efforts across Colorado for more than eight years.

All CSU colleges support this annual summer internship program. No previous experience with research or Extension is required.

What do CSU Extension interns do?

CSU Extension interns gain valuable, hands-on experience in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, youth development, public health, food systems, and community development.

What do interns receive?

Each internship is ten weeks long (30 hours/week) and paid hourly. Undergraduate students can earn up to $5,000 for the summer. Graduate students can earn up to $7,000 for for the summer. Work culminates in a final Extension poster presentation on CSU’s main campus in the fall during CSU Extension’s Forum Week.

When can students apply?

Each year, student internship applications typically open in early- to mid-January and close in early- to mid-February.

Intern spotlights

A woman holding a notepad interviews another woman seated across from her in an office, with bookshelves and a whiteboard in the background.

“My internship experience made me more interested in pursuing hands-on research opportunities in the future. I enjoyed working directly with participants, collecting data, and learning how research can have a real impact.”

Ana Mendoza
Master’s in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Ana’s internship probed what counts as “effective communication” when clinicians speak Spanish with patients/clients, noting U.S. legal requirements for understandable care but no standard for effectiveness in Spanish. Methods included recruiting Latino participants across medical and veterinary interviews and analyzing barriers and enablers (vocabulary, fluency, interpretation, plain/clear language, empathy, visuals). Ana’s biggest takeaway is that clear communication and patience are key when working with people, especially in a research setting.

A teen girl stands at an outdoor table leading an activity with young children, who are seated and working with papers and small objects on a blue metal table in a grassy courtyard.

“I think this experience was incredibly significant in developing my teaching strategies, and I really enjoyed finding and creating hands-on activities that would capture the kids’ attention and instill in them a passion for the environment.”

Helena Michaels
B.S. Natural Resources Management

Helena developed and delivered a five-week curriculum on wildfire, water, ecosystems, renewable energy, and geology for underserved youth in Jefferson County. Her experience showed her how much she enjoys teaching and opened her mind to pursuing more opportunities like field work or consulting. She’s also considering pursing a graduate degree in education to integrate her passion for conservation with her newfound passion for teaching.

A young woman wearing a red apron and glasses smiles while mixing a pan of berries in a commercial kitchen, surrounded by stainless steel counters and cooking equipment.

“These internships are all about being brave and getting out of your comfort zone, diving deeper into your interests and growing as a student, a future professional, and an individual.”

Emma CaileneMaster’s in Communications and Media Management

To improve learning for Colorado 4-H members and volunteers, Emma created a series of instructional videos on food preservation safety and led a major update of the 4-H Cultural & Ethnic Foods manual to better represent cultural recipes and histories. As part of her internship, Emma completed a 30-hour Master Food Safety Advisor training, conducted informational interviews, scripted and directed an 18-hour multi-day shoot, and coordinated publication on the 4-H website. Reflecting on the experience, Emma shared, “I love that these internships are connected to CSU, but also expand to other organizations in the community. I would 100% recommend this experience for others!”

Throughout the summer internship, I developed my software and data management skills. I also learned from my mentor how to be consistent, persistent, and not to give up until getting results.

Adwoa Amankwaa
Ph.D., Civil Engineering

Questions?

Have questions about the Extension Internship Program? Reach out to Kyla Davis, Extension Internship Program Manager, for more information and support.