Caitlin Creasey, UK Family Science student, has been accepted into the Military Extension Internship Program.  The program, coordinated through the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, is an opportunity for college students to gain practical work experience in child development, and school-age/youth programs.

Interns in the Military Extension Internship Program live and work on military installations around the world for a period of 10 weeks to 6 months. During their tenure in the program, they receive a broad range of experiences, from working with children and youth, implementing programs, and learning about the management of child and youth centers.

The goal of the program is to help students integrate their schooling with professional knowledge and skills gained through practical, real world work experience with military children, youth and family programs. Interns work with the Department of Defense, 4-H, and the Cooperative Extension System, which have the educational resources to strengthen childcare and youth development programs. 

Caitlin is excited about her placement at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas.  Her internship will span 12-weeks this summer and will provide her with the opportunity to work at the Child Development and Youth Centers on base.  Caitlin looks forward to the new experiences the internship program will offer, and sees this as another opportunity to strive toward her career goal.  She plans to pursue certification as a child life specialist, and would like to work in a hospital setting.  As a student at UK, Caitlin has volunteered with the Child Life Department at UK Children's Hospital.

Caitlin's acceptance into the Military Extension Internship Program is a testament to her dedication and achievement as a student.  To be eligible for the program, applicants must be a current university student majoring in childcare, youth development, or a similar program, eventually wishing to pursue a career in a family service or educational field. They must also be a U.S. citizen, have completed four semesters of course work and have a GPA of at least 2.75.

Congratulations to Caitlin!  The Family Science degree prepares students for family and consumer oriented employment with business, community, and public, private and non-profit agencies and organizations.  The Military Extension Internship Program provides an opportunity for college students to gain practical work experience in child development, school-age, and youth programs in a military setting.