As a Youth and Family Programs Intern at Penn State, your responsibilities will include developing and facilitating outdoor learning experiences and educational activities tailored to visitors. You'll also support field trips and events for various groups while acting as a garden guide. This internship is designed to immerse you in hands-on environmental education while working alongside our experienced education staff.

To qualify for the Youth and Family Programs Internship at Penn State, applicants should either be currently enrolled or recent graduates from an undergraduate or graduate degree program. It’s particularly beneficial to have a strong interest or background in environmental education, recreation, or natural sciences. Candidates are encouraged to articulate how this internship will advance their career goals.

The Youth and Family Programs Internship at Penn State offers a competitive pay rate of $14.00 per hour. As a paid part-time opportunity, interns will generally work 20-25 hours a week, allowing for valuable experience without compromising your other commitments.

Interested candidates should apply for the Youth and Family Programs Internship at Penn State online through the PSU Careers website. Be sure to include a resume or CV, a cover letter, and contact information for at least two professional references, ideally including letters of recommendation. The application deadline is March 31, 2025.

The internship at the Arboretum at Penn State involves a rich, immersive experience in outdoor education. Interns will not only facilitate educational programs but also participate in lesson planning, event organization, and volunteer management, providing a comprehensive introduction to the operations of public gardens and education settings.

When answering this question, vividly recount a specific experience where you successfully led an educational activity, detailing your role, the audience, and the outcome. Highlight your planning process, adaptability to participants' needs, and the creative methods you used to engage learners.

Discuss your passion for the environment and why you believe education is critical for fostering sustainable practices. Share personal anecdotes or specific influences, such as experiences in nature or impactful mentors, that drove you to pursue a career in this field.

Share a specific example illustrating your problem-solving skills during a challenge with children. Discuss strategies that demonstrate your ability to remain calm, flexible, and engaging, and how you ensured all participants had a positive experience despite any hiccups.

Focus on the importance of experiential learning and how it fosters a connection with nature. Emphasize how hands-on experiences can be more effective in conveying environmental concepts compared to traditional methods, and reflect on how this influences your approach.

Highlight relevant skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity, and organizational abilities. Provide specific examples that demonstrate how these skills have been applied in past roles, ideally within educational or environmental contexts.

Outline a structured approach to program design, emphasizing key elements such as age-appropriate content, interactive activities, and educational goals. Provide an example that includes hands-on activities and aims to engage children's curiosity about nature.

Articulate your interest in the Arboretum by discussing its mission, your alignment with its values, and how you see your role contributing to its goals of community engagement and environmental education. Mention any specific programs or initiatives that excite you.

Discuss various engagement techniques such as interactive discussions, storytelling, hands-on activities, and the use of visuals. Provide an example of a time when you successfully captivated an audience, and outline how you adapted your strategy based on audience feedback.

Share your method for event planning, emphasizing your organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks. Mention strategies like creating timelines, prioritizing tasks based on impact, and being flexible to adjust plans as needed.

Highlight your teamwork experiences with specific examples, showcasing your role and contributions to a project's success. Discuss how you collaborate effectively with diverse team members and resolve any team dynamics to maintain a positive working environment.