UW–Madison Extension is proud to re-open the Wisconsin Idea Internship Program (WIIP) for the summer of 2022.
WIIP has opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in community improvement efforts across the state. Interns work on research studies, create educational materials, and support local nonprofit activities from June to August.
Explore internship opportunities
Program background
As a strategic initiative sponsored by the Dean’s Office, WIIP provides Extension professionals statewide with funds to hire in-person interns during the summer months (June-August). This high-impact learning experience aims to connect UW–Madison undergraduate and graduate students with Extension-sponsored programs, services, projects, and research efforts statewide. It allows students to explore how and why we often refer to Extension as “The Wisconsin Idea in Action.”
The WIIP has two strategic objectives:
1) To create meaningful employment opportunities that help interns…
- Build professional skills, talents, and assets that prepare them for future employment and career paths, both within and beyond Extension
- Connect with, and contribute to Extension-sponsored programs, services, projects, and research efforts around the state
- Explore how university-based research and traditional forms of knowledge are applied to serve and benefit the needs and interests of Wisconsin communities
- Understand the important function of Extension both in Wisconsin, and its place at other U.S. Land-Grant Universities
2) To attract and develop candidates whose background, skills, and assets enrich Extension as a diverse and inclusive workplace. This includes, but is not exclusively limited to, strategic encouragement and recruitment of applications from:
- People from racially, ethnically, linguistically minoritized communities
- Members of tribal nations who reside on or near tribal lands
- People with diverse abilities
- Veterans
- Returning adult students and persons with non-traditional student backgrounds
- Areas of study and careers where women have been historically underrepresented (e.g. science, technology, engineering, and math [STEM], and others)
The Wisconsin Idea Internship program is a collaboration between Extension and the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement.