Content
+YD (Positive Youth Development) Student Intern
Description of Work:
The Nebraska 4-H Youth Development program is committed to offering hands-on, youth-centered educational programs to school-age youth across Nebraska.
This position works in partnership with Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development professionals as part of a team of student interns in the 4-H Thrive Lab. Specific responsibilities for +YD Student Interns will include:
- Engage with the public to support Nebraska youth and families.
- Deliver significant statewide educational programs of the semester (Premier Animal Science Event, Premier Communications Event, National Shooting Sports, State 4-H Horse Show, Nebraska State Fair, FLL Robotics Event, etc.).
- Assist with planning and developing digital marketing materials for 4-H programs.
- Complete work related to the priorities of the Nebraska 4-H Youth Development department.
- Participate and assist with youth development research.
- Engage in training and professional development opportunities to learn about the best practices of positive youth development and provide safe and educational experiences for youth participants.
What will you get out of it?
+YD Student Interns will engage in real-world, hands-on experiences, while learning about high-quality youth development practices. This is an opportunity to not only develop your own knowledge and communication skills by engaging with in-person and online audiences, but to make a huge impact on the lives of young people across Nebraska. This is also an opportunity to make your resume stand out with an experience that illustrates you can communicate, care for others, and take on a leadership role.
Qualifications:
Applicants for +YD Student Interns must be enrolled undergraduate students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at the time of employment and 18 years old or older.
- All majors are welcome to apply.
- A desire to work with school-age youth is essential; prior knowledge of 4-H or teaching experience is not necessary.
- Applicants should possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
This internship is based in the 4-H Thrive Lab (located in Filley Hall on UNL's East Campus) with some travel to program sites within Nebraska. The position pays $15/hour with 35 hours/week between May 19 – August 21, 2026. Possibilities for extending the internship into the fall and spring semesters exist. Work activities include occasional weekend and evening hours. Preference will be given to students who are available to attend the following priority programs:
- 4-H Thrive Lab, Mandatory training for interns (May 19-22, 2026 - Lincoln, NE)
- Premier Animal Science Event (May 27-29, 2026 - Lincoln, NE)
- Big Red Summer Academic Camps (June 7-12 - Lincoln, NE)
- East Campus Discovery Days (June 13, July 11, August 8, 2026 - Lincoln, NE)
- Premier Communications Event (June 16-17, 2026 - Lincoln, NE)
- 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships (June 19-26, 2026 - Grand Island, NE)
- Nebraska State 4-H Horse Show (July 11-15, 2026 - Grand Island, NE)
- Nebraska State Fair Setup (August 4-5 & August 12-13, 2026 - Grand Island, NE)
Review of applications will begin on March 23, 2026; it will remain open until all positions are filled.
To apply, you must complete the application form.
Upon hiring, interns must complete the Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Screening and additional screenings requested by program partners.
Additional information regarding Nebraska 4-H can be found on the PYD Student Employment Opportunities page. If you have any questions, contact Saundra Frerichs at sfrerichs3@unl.edu or Jill Lingard at jlingard2@unl.edu
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.