Community Engaged Internship (CEI) for Undergraduate Students: Opportunities for Expansion, Enhancement, and Innovation

Dynestie RobinsonFranklin

This session will explain the core components of the Community Engaged Internship (CEI) program so far, including its mission, goals, structure, and evaluation. From 2020-2023, 259 students participated in the CEI program, with another 80 students anticipated to participate in 2024. Each year, surveys were conducted to document the impacts on students and to provide data for program improvements. Organizers also sought perspectives from mentors and program administrators to document best practices and lessons learned. After four years, organizers seek to identify growth and improvement opportunities. Following a brief introduction to the program and evaluation, the second part of the session will operate like a focus group. Feedback will be collected to identify opportunities for expansion, enhancement, and innovation to ensure the continued success and relevance of the CEI program. Individual Sea Grant programs currently have flexibility regarding timing, projects, funding sources, and professional development experiences. In 2024, National Sea Grant funding is enabling student stipend support and an in-person field experience for a select group of interns. The larger cohort supported by individual Sea Grant programs will continue to have access to virtual professional development opportunities. Input will be gathered to determine how to refine the program further and offer consistency while honoring a flexible approach across the Sea Grant network.

Tue 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm