Wisconsin Idea Internships

Be an Extension Intern!

​The Wisconsin Idea Internship program has opportunities for you to get involved in community improvement efforts across the state. Work on research studies, create educational materials, and support local nonprofit activities.

The Internships





Background Information

UW-Madison Extension is proud to announce the Wisconsin Idea Internship Program (WIIP) for the summer of 2022! As a strategic initiative sponsored by the Dean’s Office, WIIP will provide Extension professionals statewide with funds to hire an in-person intern during the 2022 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 will allow students to explore how and why we often refer to Extension as “The Wisconsin Idea in Action.”

Program Objectives

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 (LGUs)

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:

-Persons from racially, ethnically, linguistically minoritized communities

-Members of tribal nations who reside on or near tribal lands

-Persons with diverse abilities

-Persons with veteran status

-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.