The Idaho Educator Externship Program
Bridge the Classroom to Careers: An Externship Program for Idaho Educators.
The Educator Externship Program connects Idaho’s in-demand industries with 6–12 educators by placing educators with local businesses during the summer. These experiences give educators real-world career insights to bring back to their classrooms, helping students explore future pathways while strengthening Idaho’s workforce pipeline. In 2025, more than 100 educators partnered with over 50 industries statewide, building lasting relationships that bridge education and industry while giving businesses the chance to showcase practical applications and engage directly with their communities.
For Hosts
Host Sites collaborate with Idaho’s 6-12 educators and create real impact. By bringing an Extern on board, you’re not just getting an extra set of hands — you’re building connections that strengthen your workplace and help shape tomorrow’s workforce. Externs have already made big contributions to high-level projects across industries, making this a perfect way to move forward on projects that have been waiting for attention. Last year, 98% of Hosts said they’d recommend the program to others — a clear sign of the value it brings.
Goals & Benefits
Receive 200 hours of professional-level work from an educator while providing meaningful STEM work experience.
Make an impact on Idaho’s future workforce & employee pipeline.
Build lasting connections with educators in your local communities that extend beyond the summer Externship Program.
In 2025, the Externship program made possible in partnership with Micron.
For Externs
To be eligible for the Educator Externship Program, participants must be certified 6–12 educators or career counselors/advisors employed by Idaho public schools. Selected Externs are placed at Host Sites for summer work experiences and receive compensation for their time.
Goals & Benefits
Earn $5,000 for up to 200 hours of work at an Idaho STEM-related industry, with the opportunity to earn Professional Development credit with Boise State University.
Gain hands-on experience in real-world STEM applications and network with professionals to build lasting connections that will benefit you and your students.
Understand the expectations and priorities employers consider in the hiring process.
What do Externs Work On?
Educators bring a wide range of skills and experiences, and they are ready to dive into meaningful projects that benefit the Host Site organization while also strengthening their own expertise and expanding their knowledge. The most impactful externship projects share these qualities:
- Provide hands-on learning opportunities related to careers
- Offer insight into the inner workings of the host organization
- Help educators build professional networks
- Include clear expectations and a structured onboarding process
Explore the Host Site Toolkit to learn more about creating a project for your Extern.
Contact/Questions?
Halle Fultz
Project Coordinator
Phone: 208-332-1725
Email Halle Fultz
Idaho STEM Action Center
ONBOARDING DOCUMENTS
- 2025 Host Site Project Template Worksheet
- 2025 Extern Invoice and Timesheet Template
- Submit Extern Blog Post
OTHER RESOURCES
- Externship Brochure
- Host Site Toolkit
- Externship Archives (Extern Blog Posts, Partners, and resources for previous years)