(08/12/24) BATON ROUGE, La. — Students, faculty mentors and parents filed into the Nelson Memorial Building on the LSU campus Aug. 8 to celebrate the completion of their summer internships through the LSU AgCenter and to share what they had learned.

In the second year of the program, the AgCenter funded 18 internships focusing on all areas of extension, including agricultural and natural resources, 4-H and nutrition and community health for Louisiana college students.

Interns were partnered with faculty mentors in parish extension offices and other units across the state. Mentors worked with the interns on extension-related projects and provided them opportunities to participate in day-to-day activities.

“The overall goal of our extension internship program is to build awareness around career opportunities in extension,” said Melissa Cater, associate director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and director of the AgCenter Northeast Region. “We hope that students not only gain an appreciation for cooperative extension programs but also consider extension when making career choices.”

Students explained where and how they worked on their respective goals and projects. Some came into their internships with a passion for what they worked on this summer, like D’Nai King, who was stationed in East Baton Rouge Parish.

King is currently studying at Southern University to become a registered dietician. Through her internship, she was able to hone her skills, as much of her work focuses on educating the community about healthy habits and the small changes people can make to improve their health.

“When I found out that I was actually going out in the community and encouraging people about nutrition or physical activity, that was definitely what I was going for.” King said. “I enjoyed it.”

King’s mentor was Dewanna Drewery, a nutrition and community health regional coordinator with the AgCenter.

Winn Parish 4-H agent Karen Shirley said the students gained partnerships, empathy and networking opportunities as well as realized what their impact on the community could be.

“It’s just an opportunity for us to showcase what we have in the AgCenter — all our programs, 4-H, nutrition and community health,” Shirley said. “We have some excellent mentors and place students throughout the state.”

In Calcasieu Parish, Kyle Deville worked alongside Brennan Uzee, a 4-H agent. Deville, a former 4-H member himself, was excited by the opportunity to pass down his passion for the youth development organization to the younger generation through activities like an archery demonstration and helping with 4-H camp.

“I’ve been wanting to get into extension since after high school,” Deville said. “I knew I would have to buckle myself up for whatever it is kids would throw my way.”

Deville plans to continue working as an educator after college, so this internship was a great chance for him to learn the skills necessary for that role, he said.

Anasi Sanni, a student at McNeese State University, did not have a clear idea of what his internship would entail. Sanni, however, was glad he took a chance and applied for the program.

Sanni worked in Calcasieu Parish with mentor Jimmy Meaux, the parish chair and agriculture and natural resources agent, in the office and with 4-H club projects and events. This even included an unexpected visit to 4-H camp.

“I did not know what to expect, honestly, but later on, after I spoke to Mr. Jimmy for the first time, he told me that we would be doing field trips and 4-H with the kids,” Sanni said. “Eventually they asked me to if I wanted to go to 4-H camp, and I was like ‘Sure, let’s give it a try. Why not?’”

In addition to assisting with 4-H activities, Sanni also learned skills and techniques in farm management through field days and pasture walks.

Shirley hopes the AgCenter will have a lasting impact on the student interns as they move on with their studies and grow as educators and researchers.

“We’re teaching life skills that impact our community,” Shirley said. “I love it. I love what we do.”

Caroline Comeaux presents about her time interning for the AgCenter. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

D’Nai King, center right, was able to work with nutrition specialists and researchers as she taught community members about healthy eating habits. Photo provided by D’Nai King