2027 4-H Summer Enrichment Program
August 4, 2026
Submitted by Regan Gleason
Apply today for your local unit to host a Summer Enrichment intern.
During the 2027 Summer Enrichment program, 4-H interns will lead youth in exploring project-based learning through one of the many approved projects offered by the grant and the Kansas 4-H program.
Projects include each of the major program areas of Engineering and Technology, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Creative Arts, Family and Consumer Science, and Personal Development. Interns will lead in-depth project-based learning throughout the summer, designed to foster youth spark in the subject matter taught. They will be encouraged to work with local volunteers to provide additional support and connection to community resources and expertise.
Host an intern to help address summer learning loss in your community.
What is included in the program?
- Paid summer internships for 12-weeks up to 40 hours per week at $17 an hour (May 17 – August 7, 2027)
- Curriculum for two or three 4-H programs (i.e. Junk Drawer Robotics, Food Science, STEAM clothing, etc.)
- Support from an agent Enrichment Leader
- In-person and virtual professional development and 4-H content training
Host Extension Unit Expectations:
- Local Extension Units will conduct the intern search and interview process. Local units are encouraged to recruit existing teachers or college students who enjoy working with youth and planning/teaching curricula.
- Work with the community and schools to identify youth affected by learning loss. This will require an Extension Agent to speak with a school to better understand which age groups to target and what programs will be best utilized. Programming must be within the designated age range, which is 5-18 years of age.
- The primary function of this grant’s intern position is to provide direct educational programming. General office work and tasks like county fair preparation ARE NOT to be included in their job responsibilities. Although, “teaching” curriculum at the county fair is encouraged.
- Work with intern(s) to develop opportunities for youth and families to engage in 4-H educational programming and service learning.
- Provide supervision and direction for program interns including approval of hours worked and a work/office space with necessary materials to conduct summer programming.
- Conduct program evaluations and track program partnerships.
- Submit program reports when required. Management of program budget and completion of fiscal reporting at program end.
- Take part in training and professional development opportunities.
Host Extension Unit Requirements:
- Host Extension Units will need approval from their local or district board, and will need to sign an agreement for the 2027 programming year.
- Host Extension Units must have at least two established community connections/partners, with one being a school district in the community/county (school, library, recreation center, etc.).
- The Host Extension Unit designated Supervising Agent will be responsible for guiding the intern(s) on programming efforts, approving hours worked and grant purchases, securing program site locations before the summer program begins, communicating with school administrators/staff on behalf of the interns, and serving as the conduit to the local unit and/or district director. Supervising Agents will also work with the interns to compile and report program impact from each host site. This Supervising Agent will need to have at least one year of experience with K-State Extension.
SEP Timeline:
- Applications Open: August 3, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2026
- Notification of Selection: November 6, 2026
- SEP Contracts Due: December 18, 2026
- Community Partners Established: February 1, 2027
- Intern Hire Deadline: March 1, 2027
- Required SEP Intern & Agent Orientation: May 25-27, 2027
The link to the application can be found on Microsoft Teams in the Kansas 4-H Youth Development general chat or the K-State Extension Resources general chat or click here: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1YwQQ8UiEW0hOzI
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