Lawrence Office

Learning to Work, Working to Learn

UMass student interns build skills as they help build healthy communities

When NEP’s Lawrence office took on the job of bringing nutrition education to area children over the summer, program supervisor Jeanne Baranek looked to her own family’s experience to staff the new program. Specifically,  how her son’s internship experience as an undergraduate engineering student contributed to his ability to land a job in his field after graduating from UMass Amherst.

What followed has become one of NEP’s most successful ventures—providing real-world experience for UMass Amherst undergraduate nutrition students while bringing energy and fresh ideas to the community. “We had meaningful work for students to do, and they were in need of meaningful experience that would relate to their career plans,” explains Baranek. Each summer and during winter session, interns work in teams under the supervision of NEP educators, teaching children from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, leading activities and presentations, devising lessons around school gardens, working with special needs students, and gaining valuable classroom experience.

“Most of what these interns learn in their classes is theoretical,” says Baranek. “We teach them the practical. They actually see how the children and the community view issues of nutrition—not as nutrients, but as food.” The children, in turn, build relationships and find role models in UMass students. “We’re trying to get underrepresented groups into the dietetics field,” she adds. “Hopefully this will inspire young people when they’re thinking about careers and college.”

From the interns’ point of view, it’s also a way to solidify their commitment to the field. “My experience with the UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program this winter was remarkable,” reports intern Emily Simon. “I know that if I could work in a community nutrition program for my career that all my undergraduate work would be worthwhile.” Enthusiastic results like these, as well as support from staff and faculty at UMass Amherst, have encouraged a steady stream of students to apply for internships.

And that’s what Extension is really all about, says Baranek, herself a graduate of two land grant universities. “I really believe that the internship is an important part of the college experience—it’s a sort of payback. We’re working out in the community, and at the same time we’re helping students become more effective at what they do. It’s a two-way street.”