Nine students gained practical experience in animal science, Extension programs, and youth education at Kentucky State

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Summer camps and farm tours put Kentucky State University’s summer Extension interns in the role of educators, giving them practice explaining ideas, answering questions, and helping younger students learn.

For three months, nine students worked alongside faculty, Extension professionals, and farmers through the University’s 2026 Summer Extension Internship Program. Their assignments connected classroom studies with work in laboratories and communities, offering a closer look at careers in research, education, and outreach.

“Students need opportunities to see how the subjects they study connect with people’s daily lives,” said Dr. Valens Niyigena, assistant professor of livestock nutrition and Extension internship coordinator. “Extension gives them a place to make those connections and discover where they can contribute.”

In the Animal Science Lab, Taniyah Bayliss, Princess Ogoriba Diweli, Moyele Oyalinka, Deborah Christie, and Elyzabeth Kwakye worked under Dr. Niyigena’s supervision.

Other placements introduced interns to health education and community leadership. Talitha Edwards worked in Louisville with Emily Smith, state specialist in disaster health and wellness. Lyric White worked with Adriana Palmer, state specialist in community resource leadership development.

Joshua Johnson worked with Dr. Enoch Ametepey, Extension evaluation and data specialist. Another intern with the same name worked with Turquoise M. Brown, state specialist for community nutrition education.

Across the placements, students practiced communicating with different audiences, working through problems, and sharing responsibility for assignments. Teaching younger learners also gave them opportunities to serve as role models and consider how their own interests could help others.

The interns’ work drew recognition at a Sept. 30 closing celebration. Dr. Marcus Bernard, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, called the experience an “eye-opener” and encouraged students to pursue the opportunities ahead.

Dr. Tyrell Kahan, associate Extension administrator, praised the interns and supervisors for exceeding expectations and shared positive feedback about their work on campus and in the communities they served.

Organizers plan to give future interns a broader range of assignments through structured rotations in areas such as animal science, crop production, and community development. Students would be able to explore several disciplines and identify where their interests and strengths align.

A student testimonial video highlights participants’ experiences and accomplishments.

For more information about the Summer Extension Internship Program, contact Dr. Niyigena at Valens.niyigena@kysu.edu or Extension@kysu.edu.