By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has welcomed 13 college students to its summer internship program, giving them an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in agriculture, public service, and government operations.
Throughout the summer, the interns will work alongside KDA staff and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell while helping support programs and services that benefit residents across the state.
“The best way to really learn about a career is to work side-by-side with the employees doing the job each and every day,” Commissioner Shell said.
“This is exactly what KDA’s internship program offers college students. Interns gain a unique learning experience that could launch a lifelong career in a variety of ag-related fields. It’s a great stepping stone and that we are excited to provide.”
The internship program is designed to provide students with practical experience and a deeper understanding of how state government functions.
Participants are placed in various departments across KDA, where they learn about agricultural programs and gain exposure to a wide range of career opportunities.
The program welcomes students pursuing degrees both directly and indirectly connected to agriculture, including fields such as education, computer science, marketing, public relations, and law.
During the internship, students attend livestock shows, conferences, proclamations, and other agricultural events. They also travel with the commissioner to selected functions, assist with social media outreach, promote farm safety education, and support initiatives such as senior farmers’ market programs and junior chef activities.
This Year’s Interns:
- Savannah Anderson - Owen County, Berea College
- Zoie Anglin - Frankfort, University of Kentucky
- Jenna Diaz - Lawrenceburg, University of Kentucky
- Matthew Estes - Cave City, University of Kentucky
- Emma Filiatreau - Bardstown, Oklahoma State University
- Jesse Fulkerson - Upton, University of Kentucky
- Benton Hayes - Liberty, Yale University
- Stephen Lemon - Frankfort, University of Kentucky
- Sierra Morris - Franklin County, Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College
- Olivia Raybourne - Woodford County, University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law
- Kayleigh Thomas - Elizabethtown, University of Kentucky
- Laken White - Princeton, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Madison Wright - Owenton, University of Kentucky
Photo Credit: kentucky-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Kentucky, Education