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Rural Internship Initiative

A Golden LEAF program that is supported by the NC Rural Center, the Rural Internship Initiative offers Golden LEAF Scholars the opportunity to spend their summer working on-the-ground in a rural community. Scholars will gain valuable work experience related to their career field, along with additional leadership training and support from the NC Rural Center.

About the Initiative: 

The Rural Internship Initiative provides eligible Golden LEAF Scholars with professional work experience related to their career field in a rural North Carolina community.

Internships are offered on a competitive basis. The Golden LEAF Foundation provides funding to pay interns $15/hour for their work. The internship takes place over a period of at least eight weeks, between June through August. Internship sites that take on a Golden LEAF Scholar intern provide them with a meaningful project or role that aligns with the student’s college major and future career goals. Interns also receive additional leadership training and support from the NC Rural Center over the course of the summer.

For current deadlines, eligibility information, and resources, please visit the official initiative website here.