By Blake Jackson
As National Internship Awareness Month ends, the University of Kentucky (UK) Graduate School highlights sociology Ph.D. student Jimmy Robinson for his impactful work through the Kentucky Graduate Internship Scholarship.
Robinson selected UK for its focus on rural sociology and strong faculty support. His internship with Fayette Alliance, a nonprofit working on sustainable growth in Lexington-Fayette County, allowed him to apply research beyond the classroom.
He developed a detailed evaluation tool for the nonprofit’s Grow Smart Academy, a community program that raises awareness about land use and sustainability. The tool measured participant learning, engagement in civic activities, and overall satisfaction.
“Coming into this internship, the primary goal was to create an evaluation survey… that measured participants’ awareness of concepts, organizations or initiatives relevant to each session; measured participants’ willingness to engage in civic action… and still assessed general level of satisfaction,” said Robinson. “Additionally, the survey’s structure needed to be created such that it could be easily adapted to sessions in future iterations of the program.”
His work helps the nonprofit better assess and improve its programming. More than just a survey, it provides long-term value through its adaptability and clear design based on academic research.
Robinson also gained insights into the different needs of academic and nonprofit work. “In nonprofits, we serve community members, not just collect data,” he said.
The internship expanded his knowledge of local policies and systems at the rural-urban interface, especially in energy and agriculture. He also built valuable professional skills and networks.
“Internships like Jimmy’s play a vital role in student success. They offer students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom and through research in real-world settings,” said Abbie Wood, assistant director for graduate and professional students and postdoctoral scholars.
Robinson urges other students to pursue internships that align with their goals, even if they have to take initiative.
“The graduate students of UK do research that reverberates around the world. Jimmy Robinson’s work shows how that expertise can have an impact right here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Graduate School Dean Padraic Kenney, Ph.D. “My hope is that Jimmy’s experience inspires more graduate students to explore new opportunities and gain experience that launches their careers.”
Robinson’s experience reflects the Graduate School’s mission to develop leaders and innovators who contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Photo Credit - University of Kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Education, General, Rural Lifestyle