In this summer internship program, students follow Cooperative Extension's service learning model, implemented through our four program areas: 4-H youth development, health and well-being, lawn and garden, and agriculture and natural resources. Current undergraduate or graduate students at UD are eligible to participate. Opportunities are available in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.

Because of my time [as an Extension Scholar], I discovered a passion and love for education and extension work. I hope to pursue a career in teaching and Cooperative Extension.
- Alexis Omar UD bachelor's and Ph.D. graduate

Video: Extension Scholars: A summer of experiential learning: youtube.com/watch?v=RuSzXJ9EEZE

What is an Extension Scholar?

Our Extension Scholars program offers UD students a unique, hands-on 10-week summer experiential learning environment under the guidance of extension agents or specialists.

During this summer internship, students will follow Cooperative Extension's service learning model, implemented through one of extension's four program areas: 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, lawn and garden, and agriculture and natural resources.

Any current undergraduate, in the summer following freshmen year and beyond, or graduate students at UD are eligible to participate and opportunities are available in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.

While this program does provide a stipend for participants, interns will be expected to provide their own transportation, and mileage to and from work is at the intern’s expense.

Engaging with the community is fulfilling work. It makes us better researchers and better teachers. And being able to share this passion with students so that they grow to be engaged with their communities as well. That’s a wonderful story for the University to tell.
- Michelle Rodgers associate dean and director of the University’s Cooperative Extension, retired

Eligibility

Current undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Delaware.

Purpose

The Extension Scholars program is designed to follow the service-learning model, whereby scholars will have an opportunity to become fully engaged in organizational service experiences that:

Are integrated into the academic curriculum,
Meet the needs of a community,
Provide structured time for reflection, and
Help to foster civic responsibility.

Opportunities

Extension Scholars expand their knowledge and participate in the delivery of Extension programming. Scholars have the opportunity to develop leadership and interpersonal skills, learn about careers in Extension, and apply knowledge gained through university coursework.

Summer scholar experiential learning may include designing and delivering educational programs and resources, analyzing data and evaluating program impact in the community, designing survey instruments and completing assessments, working with volunteers, stakeholders, and the public, fostering partnerships and pursuing funding, and more! View position descriptions.

Locations

Cooperative Extension Offices:

New Castle County Extension Office, Newark DE
Kent County Extension Office, Dover, DE
Sussex County Extension Office, Georgetown, DE
Off-site Locations as Needed

Position Descriptions

Expectations

The Summer Scholar Program is a full-time, 10-week session (first week of June through the second week of August).
The 2026 program commences on Monday, June 8 with a required orientation.
Scholars participate in the Service-Learning Symposium held the last Thursday of the session (August 14), which requires a poster or oral presentation.
Scholars must provide their own transportation (mileage reimbursement is available).

Application process and deadlines:

February 2026: Online application due
Early March 2026: Selection committee will conduct personal interviews.
March 31, 2026: Awarded Scholars will be notified via email.

Stipend:

Summer Scholars will receive a student stipend in the amount of $4,500 split over two payments. $3,000 is distributed within the first two weeks of the session. The remaining $1,500 is distributed in early August.

For further information, contact Cooperative Extension staff member Kaci Gravatt.