OSU Extension Internship Program «

Hi! I’m Emma Branson, the intern for OSU Extension in Lane County. I’m a sophomore at the University of Oregon majoring in environmental science with a minor in secondary educational foundations. My career goal is to guide environmental education by connecting communities to the land beyond classroom walls, especially for youth and agriculture. I hope to be a high school agriculture science teacher, but I am exploring all aspects of this industry! Growing up, I participated in Lane County 4-H for 13 years showing goats, small animals, horticulture, communications, family consumer sciences and more. These urban agricultural experiences with OSU Extension motivated me to intern with them in Lane County.

Emma smiles with a sweet treat after the Lane County 4-H & FFA Fair statics judging day. Photo: Joaquin Yoos

This summer, I hope to learn management styles and communication skills for leading Extension programs. In my first month of this internship, I led youth cooking classes for a summer camp at a local urban farm! I practiced teaching knife skills, food safety, measurements and basic nutrition to 4th grade students in an outdoor kitchen. This program built my confidence in event planning through preparation, attention to detail and communication, as well as gaining practical teaching experience. Additionally, I supported staff at the Lane County 4-H & FFA Fair by communicating directly with the youth, families and volunteers to ensure everyone had a positive learning experience. I’m grateful for the guidance from my mentors and the opportunity to independently strengthen my skills.

Moving forward, I’m ready to collaborate with more Extension programs offered in Lane County! I’m excited to complete my Master Food Preserver certification, help with Forestry community outreach, and join in on Small Farms projects. I plan to continue making the most of my internship by working hard and having fun!

Hello again!

My name is Madeline Breiling, and I am now in my last full week as the 4-H intern for OSU Extension in Umatilla County. Throughout my internship this summer, I have had the chance to assist with and take the lead on a wide variety of projects across Umatilla County. Before this summer, I had little involvement with 4-H, and I’ve been so impressed by the sportsmanship, enthusiasm and dedication the youth have demonstrated throughout all of the 4-H events I’ve assisted with.

Students attending the Milton-Freewater YMCA summer camp submerge their designed boats to see how many pennies their boats can hold. Photo: Madeline Breiling

This summer, I have had the opportunity to assist with Umatilla County’s “Pre-Fair” contests, including Fashion Revue, Public Speaking, Cooking and the 4-H Dog Show. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time at each of these events. Since I have less experience with the livestock and home economics side of 4-H, it was exciting to learn by watching the contests, illustrated talks and demonstrations, as well as talking with competitors, 4-H Ambassadors, superintendents, volunteers and judges. In a time when so many people are glued to their devices, it was refreshing to see young people so passionate and knowledgeable about sewing, cooking, caring for livestock and confidently sharing their skills and interests with others.

Madeline Brieling snaps a photo of the students at the Milton-Freewater YMCA summer camp experimenting with STEM boat designs. Photo: Madeline Breiling

My main focus this summer has been providing hands-on STEM opportunities to nontraditional 4-H audiences. Earlier in my internship, I taught STEM lessons at the YMCA after-school program in Milton-Freewater and at the Hermiston summer school. More recently, I led activities at Camp Cloverbud, where campers planted pumpkin seeds during a horticulture lesson and built straw rockets as part of a science activity. Throughout much of the summer, I have also been teaching STEM lessons for the YMCA summer camp in Milton-Freewater. Campers explored many different areas of STEM through hands-on activities, from creating and investigating Möbius strips as part of a mathematics activity to working in teams to design and build boats capable of holding as many pennies as possible without sinking during an engineering lesson. One of the most rewarding parts of my internship has been seeing students collaborate, test their ideas and improve their designs as well as gain more confidence and excitement about doing STEM activities.

This summer has flown by, and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities I have had with 4-H and OSU Extension this summer. My experiences over the past few months have allowed me to connect with and learn from the community while strengthening my skills and confidence in developing STEM curriculum and teaching. This internship has reinforced my passion for STEM education and community outreach, and I will carry these experiences with me as I begin teaching calculus as part of my master’s program this fall. I would like to thank Shevon Hatcher, Courtney Waliser, Jaime Chambers and all of the other Umatilla County OSU Extension employees who have made this summer so enjoyable. Thank you for your mentorship, encouragement and support throughout the summer.

Hey there!

My name is Zach Richards, and I am currently a college student majoring in mechanical engineering. Recently, I finished my freshman year, and I am now looking forward to the next. I work for the Marion County OSU Extension office, the same county that I grew up in my whole life. In the past, I have gone to a couple of Extension related programs/activities such as the county fair and outdoor camps. I’ve also worked with my local OSU Extension office to help organize a food drive that benefited local elementary school students. This summer, I get to take my experiences one step farther as the county intern.

Zach Richards in the current MakerSpace for Marion County. Photo: Zach Richards

Over the course of my internship, there are a number of skills that I look forward to developing. First, this internship will be a great environment to learn how to organize and lead workshops/events. A lot of what I know about 4-H stems from activities such as these, so it will be great to be on the organizational side helping out. I also look forward to developing my ability to communicate with my coworkers and stay on top of what needs to get done. Working with other offices outside of my county will definitely give me the chance to practice this skill. Additionally, I am looking forward to the fair and the completion of the “MakerSpace” set up (a creative space for artistic creation)! Both the fair and the MakerSpace will help showcase creativity and will be fun to be a part of.

Over my time here, I plan to help get the MakerSpace to a point where people can come in and use the machines. I think it would be awesome if kids could come and learn design concepts as well as express their creativity through projects. I know that as a kid I would have loved trying out a few of the devices and learning how to use them. In the future, I hope to take a career path related to engineering and design. I think that aerospace seems cool, but I have also given some thought to mechatronics. Through my experience here, I believe that I will be able to give others a chance to explore similar interests as well as develop my own.

Hi everyone!

My name is Callie Bradshaw, and I am entering my third year at Oregon State University studying public health with a minor in communication. After earning my degree, I hope to pursue a career in healthcare administration, where I can help improve patient experiences and make healthcare more accessible and effective. This summer, I am thrilled to be interning with Oregon State University Extension’s Master Food Preserver (MFP) program, working with both the Benton and Linn County communities.

Callie Bradshaw smiles for her senior photo. Photo: Starr Photography

I’ll admit that before this internship, my knowledge of food preservation extended little beyond basic food safety. I quickly learned that there is so much science, planning, education and outreach involved in helping people preserve food safely. One of the biggest surprises has been discovering just how many ways OSU Extension Master Food Preservers serve Oregon communities. Whether answering food preservation questions, teaching workshops, supporting volunteers, or creating educational resources, I’ve seen firsthand how research-based information can make a real difference in people’s lives, especially when it comes to food security.

One of my favorite projects has been designing educational displays and interactive materials for community outreach events. I enjoy combining creativity with education, and this project has challenged me to think about how to communicate food safety information in ways that are engaging and easy to understand. I’ve also had the opportunity to organize Master Food Preserver equipment and resources, assist with workshops and learn about the planning and coordination that happen behind the scenes.

Master Food Preserver volunteers smile for the camera at the Food Preservation booth for the Mennonite Heritage Day. Photo: Callie Bradshaw

As the summer continues, I’m looking forward to attending farmers’ markets, community events and workshops where I can connect directly with members of my community. I’m excited to see the educational displays we’ve created in action while continuing to learn from the dedicated MFP volunteers. I hope to use every event as an opportunity to strengthen my communication skills and gain confidence in community outreach. Although food preservation is different from the healthcare setting where I hope to work someday, this internship has shown me how closely education and public health are connected. Helping people make informed decisions about safely preserving food is another way of promoting health and preventing illness. That perspective is something I plan to carry with me throughout my career, making me even more grateful to have the opportunity to learn and serve my community this summer!

Hello! My name is Olivia Wilde. I am going into my sophomore year pursuing a bachelor of fine arts in studio art as well as a minor in Spanish. I plan to become an art teacher in the future teaching high school, and eventually I hope to teach at a college level! I have not had any experience with Extension previously, but I am excited to get to know Extension and how it impacts our community.

Olivia Wilde enjoying the first day of class at Oregon State University last fall. Photo: Unknown

An art piece created by Olivia. Photo: Olivia Wilde

This summer, I am working with Klamath County’s Master Gardener program alongside Nicole Sanchez, the horticulture and entomology specialist in our Extension office. I have always loved plants and bugs, so I am very excited to learn more about both of these subjects! As an instructor, Nicole also has a wealth of knowledge in teaching, especially with diverse audiences. I know I will learn a lot about teaching, which is perfect for my future career plans! I am already delving into making educational content as one of my long-term projects. Our Master Gardener program provides fun and educational activity kits that give the community knowledge on a range of topics. My project is to create several new kits that approach new topics, engage wide audiences and are comfortable for our Master Gardener volunteers. I have already started working on these kits, which has been a very interesting and educational experience so far!

Near the end of my internship, I will be hosting an “Activity Kit Day” to introduce Master Gardeners to the new kits, as well as demonstrate the other kits. I am greatly looking forward to this day as it will be the culmination of all my work in this internship and that will be a great achievement! I am excited to see where this internship will take me. 🙂

My name is Amaya Slay, and I am excited to spend my summer interning with Oregon State University Extension Service in Douglas County as part of the 4-H program. I am currently a student at Oregon State University majoring in agricultural and food business management. I have always enjoyed working with youth and being involved in my community, so this internship is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience while giving back to a program that has had such a positive impact on my life.

2026 Douglas County Cloverbud Camp. The theme was ‘patriotic’ in honor of America’s 250th birthday. They made lots of crafts, made snacks and explored the Master Gardener’s Discovery Garden. Photo: Amaya Slay

Over the summer, I hope to learn more about how Oregon State Extension and the 4-H program work behind the scenes to support youth, families and communities. I am excited to develop professional skills in leadership, communication and event planning, and I hope to gain a better understanding of the many responsibilities that go into creating meaningful experiences for young people and supporting volunteers. One of the things I am looking forward to most is working with the Douglas County community and getting to know the families, volunteers and youth who make the 4-H program so successful. I can’t wait to help with summer activities and events, like the fair, that create memories for youth in the community and help them build their confidence and leadership skills. Being able to contribute to a program that positively impacts so many young individuals is something that I am looking forward to being a part of.

In the future, my career goal is to work in a field where I can continue making a difference in the lives of others, whether through education, youth development or a related profession. This internship will allow me to explore those interests while gaining valuable real-world experience. Although I am still considering different options for a career path, this has been a great opportunity to learn more about work in Extension, a career field that I have been interested in. My experience has been great so far and has helped guide me in the right direction for my future career decisions.

My connection with Oregon State Extension began long before this internship. I participated in 4-H for many years, and those experiences helped shape who I am today. Through 4-H, I developed leadership skills, learned responsibility, built lasting friendships and gained confidence by trying new things and making connections with so many people within my community. Because of the positive experiences I had as a 4-H member in Douglas County, it is very rewarding to now be on the other side of the program as an intern in my home county. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to learning, growing and helping make this a successful summer for the youth and families of Douglas County.

Hi there everyone! My name is Makena Oglesby, and I am interning at the Clatsop County OSU Extension office this summer. I’ve had fun the first few weeks, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you through these blog posts over the summer!

Makena Oglesby poses with a display of some of her woodworking projects, including fish shaped cutting boards, coasters and magnets. Photo: Monique Council

During the school year, I study wood innovation for sustainability and have a focus on art & design at Oregon State University (this is a fancy way to say that I do woodworking). My major focuses a lot on wood science which I then get to apply to woodworking projects, both functional and artistic pieces. My favorite combination is when I get to make something beautiful or fun that is still fully functional, which you can see some examples of in the photo above. I am still exploring what I want to do once I graduate (at the end of fall term!) but I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far in the OSU Extension office, and before that for about 4 years in Special Events for the Parks and Recreation Department in Hillsboro, Oregon. The work I did there is very similar to what I get to do this summer, and I have always enjoyed it so I could see myself continuing a career in the Extension Service realm after graduation (with perhaps some woodworking thrown in for fun).

I am typically located in Hillsboro, but this summer I have the opportunity to stay with my great grandmother as I work at the OSU Extension office in Astoria. I am excited to spend time with her as I work at the office and around the county this summer. As I am an intern under the Master Food Preservers coordinator at the Clatsop County OSU Extension office, I do a lot of work with all of the programs that we house including the Master Gardeners and Small Farms, 4-H and Oregon Sea Grant programs.

One thing I have already had a lot of fun doing is helping out at Seafood Tours on docks along the Oregon coast. The tours are free and open to the public and help teach people about Oregon ports, the daily lives of fisherman and how to buy seafood directly off of fishing vessels. It has been so interesting to listen to the tours as I help put them on, and make them enjoyable and memorable for the attendees. I may not be studying marine life, but it is a hobby of mine and something I love to learn about!

I am looking forward to the rest of my summer with everyone at the OSU Extension office in Astoria, and I am so excited to be involved in all of the events and programing we have planned!

More of Makena’s creative masterpieces: Makena’s Portfolio

Hey y’all, my name is Jack Sparks, and I am an intern for OSU Extension this summer in Polk County! At Oregon State University, I am going into my sophomore year, studying mechanical engineering with a focus on robotic control in the honors program. Robotic control can vary widely, but I hope to focus on human-robot integration and sensors. My end goal is to get a PhD in autonomous mechanisms and human-robot interaction, with the hope of being a leader in the field and providing opportunities for rural students to get more involved in engineering programs.

Jack Sparks, intern in Polk County. Photo: Sarah LaDuke

4-H has played a huge role in shaping who I am and what I am studying. I have been involved in 4-H for almost a decade, where I have focused on the static and leadership side of the program. There weren’t a whole lot of STEM opportunities in my community while I was growing up, so I had to seek programs and projects actively. 4-H has given me so many opportunities that I would never have had otherwise. From being able to join a college program at 14 years old, to growing my leadership skills and being able to mentor youth; my involvement in the 4-H program is a large part of what makes me the person that I am today.

Currently, I am gearing up for the Polk County Fair in the first week of August and doing some general office work. I have been working at the fair for the better part of five years now, but being an intern has allowed me to learn a lot more than just how to set up the static building. We are also going to be in a new space this year, which will present new challenges and allow us to experiment with new layout designs.

As the summer continues, I will continue my general Extension work and assist wherever needed. I also plan to teach STEM-related classes as part of my project for Polk County. I want to give youth the chance to do more than just the agriculture side of 4-H and offer them the opportunities I wish I had while growing up in the program.

Hello! My name is Aspen Bowling, and I am currently in week five of my summer internship with the OSU Extension Service in Clatsop County. This fall, I will be entering my fourth year at Oregon State University, where I am pursuing a degree in agricultural science with a minor in agricultural and natural resource communications. This is my second summer interning with OSU Extension, and returning has given me the opportunity to continue building on the experiences and skills I gained last year.

Aspen holds up an Oregon State University pennant; Go Beavs! Photo: Cayden Pricolo

One of the most valuable parts of this internship has been seeing the broad scope of OSU Extension and learning how many different programs work together to serve our communities. Before joining OSU Extension, I knew very little about everything it offered. Over the past two summers, I have had the opportunity to work with programs such as 4-H Youth Development, Master Gardener, Small Farms and Oregon Sea Grant. Each program has a unique mission, but they all share the common goal of providing research– based education and resources that improve the lives of Oregonians.

Throughout the internship, I have been able to take part in many hands– on experiences that have helped me better understand OSU Extension’s impact. I have participated in dock walks with Oregon Sea Grant, where we educated the public about seafood and commercial fishing industries. I have been able to represent Extension at local farmers’ markets, helping answer questions about soil and connect community members with available programs and resources. I have also volunteered at local food pantries through the Family and Community Health program, where we helped distribute healthy food information and educational materials to families. I have also had the opportunity to help with several youth activities through 4-H, which has been one of my favorite parts of the summer.

Aspen asks questions to a cloverbud participant regarding her home economics project. Photo: Alisabeth Ogier

One of the highlights of my internship so far was serving as a judge for the 4-H Home Economics Skills Contest. It was inspiring to watch the youth demonstrate their knowledge, creativity and confidence while showcasing the skills they have developed through 4-H. Seeing the pride they took in their work reminded me of the positive impact Extension programs have on young people and how these experiences help build lifelong skills. It was rewarding to play a small role in encouraging and recognizing their hard work.

Returning for a second summer has also allowed me to strengthen my skills in social media management, graphic design, photography, educational outreach and communication. As I prepare to enter my fourth year of college, this internship has reinforced my passion for agriculture, communications and community education. It has shown me how OSU Extension connects university research with local communities while creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn and grow. I am grateful to continue learning from the dedicated faculty, staff, volunteers and community partners in Clatsop County, and I look forward to making the most of the rest of my internship.

Hello all,
My name is Armando Peters, and I’m proud to be Yamhill County’s 4-H student intern! I am originally from Austin, Texas, but moved to McMinnville, Oregon in 2024 with my family to attend Oregon State University. Currently, I’m going into my third year as an animal science major on the pre-veterinary pathway, with a minor in chemistry. My career goals are to work more with animals, gain experience and eventually attend Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine at OSU.

Armando Peters giving a student their t-shirt bag at the 2026 4-H Summer Conference. Photo: KayLani Cruz

Even though I grew up in Texas, I was never heavily involved with 4-H or Extension Services but I was always curious about what exactly they do. So far, I’ve greatly enjoyed learning about the services my office provides, and just how much work Extension does to keep our local communities running. Being here means a lot to me because I feel privileged to help residents of Yamhill County while also learning much more about 4-H, gardening, food preservation and fair planning (just to name a few). I love working here because it blends my interest in animals and agriculture with university programs. It’s a great combination that helps more people and kids get hands-on experience with farming, which is awesome to see. I even got to attend the Oregon 4-H Summer Conference with my supervisor and help the first day.

By the end of summer, I hope to gain more familiarity working with 4-H youth, practice event planning/management and improve my professional communication skills. As of writing, our county fair is only two weeks away, and our office has been busy with fair prep, which has given me a new perspective on what it takes to coordinate and run such a large event every single year! While I know fair week will likely be intense, I’m excited to see what it’s like behind the scenes and do my part to keep everything running smoothly. Beyond the fair, I’m happy to be working here and can’t wait to see what new experiences the rest of the summer has to offer!

OSU Extension Internship Program

OSU Extension intern empowers youth through hands-on learning

OSU Extension intern shares highlights from a summer of 4-H and STEM

OSU Extension intern leads through summer innovation

OSU Extension intern explores the vital link between education and health

OSU Extension intern combines educational goals with community impact

OSU Extension intern shares the path from 4-H member to mentor

OSU Extension intern brings creativity and curiosity to Clatsop County

OSU Extension intern turns 4-H experience into opportunities for others

OSU Extension intern connects passions for animals, science and community service

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