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Externships 2026

  • September 3, 2026 - Ashley Wheeler at NCCE Online

    I worked with the NCCE this summer helping them network. I was on a team of people who wrote blog posts, newsletters, and social media spots for them to use throughout the year. I learned a lot about using different platforms to reach educators. I also learned more about editing for different types of media […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Dan Gies at Summit Innovation Lab

    Managing a STEM day camp presented a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills while exploring innovative approaches to science education. My responsibilities encompassed program oversight—including enrollment management, staff coordination, and daily operations—as well as curriculum development and instructional design for a growing organization preparing to expand to a second location. The operational experience proved invaluable. […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Craig Cook at Swellfox/CircuitBread

    I was working with their engineering team to help develop a series of lessons for Middle School and High School students. The goal is to prepare a packet ready for teachers that are NOT familiar with the subject, and they will feel comfortable teaching to their students. We are still struggling with the details and […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Hali Goodrich at NCCE

    I was one of three externs that worked with NCCE – an EdTech nonprofit that had us writing blog posts, newsletter content, and designing social media posts for their yearly communication with their readership and community. We also helped the Conference Program Director review proposals for the 2027 conference presenter sessions. The goals were to […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Julie Shelton at WeBuildIdaho.org (WBI) and the Idaho Associated General Contractors (AGC)

    From Classroom to Career: My Experience with We Build Idaho This summer, I had the opportunity to work with WeBuildIdaho.org and the Idaho Associated General Contractors (AGC) through the Future Builders Outreach Project. My project focused on modernizing Idaho AGC’s career fair booth and outreach materials to better connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Dalton Hawkins at iDrone

    When I began my work with drones with iDrone, my goal was not simply to learn how to fly a drone. I wanted to understand the broader world of drone technology and, more importantly, explore how that technology could become a meaningful learning opportunity for students. The project gave me the opportunity to investigate drone […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Brittany Sanchez at Micron

    I worked with Micron for this externship, specifically with the departments responsible for wafer processing. I got to shadow at least one member for every aspect of the process. With each person, I spent 4-12 hours learning what their job entails, what happens at their step in the process, and what skills are most important […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Katherine Young at College of Southern Idaho

    During my summer externship with the College of Southern Idaho, I worked on a digital accessibility project focused on improving existing Canvas courses. I reviewed courses for common accessibility barriers and remediated the content to make it more usable for students with disabilities and students who rely on assistive technologies. This included correcting font sizes […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Madison Smith at Idaho Division of Career Technical Education

    My primary project during the externship was helping redesign and develop Idaho’s CTE Administrator training into an asynchronous professional development course in Canvas. The goal was to take the existing CTE Administrator training and turn it into a course that was more organized, accessible, engaging, and practical for new and current CTE administrators. The course […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Dalton Hawkins at iDrone

    My primary goal was building out a first-person view (FPV) drone racing program and finding the background information on making it happen. Through this I discovered a lot about the world of drones, not just FPV. My proudest achievement is getting my Part 107 Remote Pilot License, passing the test with a 95%! Along the […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Christopher Glascock at NCCE

    This summer, I was allowed to participate in a STEM Action Center Summer Externship with NCCE. NCCE works with schools and districts of all sizes, both locally and around the world, to provide educators with meaningful professional learning opportunities. The organization focuses on creating relevant and challenging learning experiences while using culturally responsive leadership practices […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Elizabeth Bearden at Cascade Chamber of Commerce

    This summer, I had the opportunity to complete an externship with the Cascade Chamber of Commerce. My project focused on learning more about our local workforce and finding ways to better connect students with career opportunities that exist right here in our community. My main task was to research four major career sectors in the […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Joelle Anthon at Three Island Crossing

    There were several goals for Three Island State Park: 1. Create and host camp activity days with a STEM emphasis for campers at the park on two Saturdays. 2. Create a curriculum for Idaho 4th Graders about Three Island State Park. 3. Create a contest for 4th grade students to do a biography about a […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Sara Duncan at Idaho Department of Education – Next Steps

    This summer, I completed an externship with the Idaho State Department of Education’s Next Steps Idaho team. My primary project was to help support the implementation and continued development of Next Steps Idaho 2.0. My work included exploring the platform from the perspective of different users, developing user personas, identifying opportunities for standard operating procedures […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Christine Ivie at South Central Idaho Small Business Development Center

    My second summer with the South Central Idaho SBDC has been exciting and productive! Every day, the team at the SBDC helps businesses with fewer than 500 employees develop plans to succeed. With the growth of online apps and marketing campaigns, many small businesses find it challenging to compete for highly skilled, trained and qualified […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Kresta George at Idaho Drug Free Youth

    My externship project consisted of two components. First, I assisted with a week-long youth camp in Coeur d’Alene focused on promoting drug-free lifestyles. The camp brings together students in grades 8–12 from across the state of Idaho. While the camp educates youth about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, its greater purpose is to help […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Matt Dyorich at IDHCA Idaho Health Care Association

    Due to Federal and Idaho Health Care Legislation changes, I updated the IDHCA online Health Care Facility Administrators Exam and Course for a July time frame. I attended the IDHCA conference at the Nampa Civic Center. It was a 2-day event, and I performed a multitude of tasks for the Health Care facility employees, worked […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Nancy Lasky at Idaho National Laboratory

    This was my first year participating in this program and I was so impressed with my host and by extension, the whole Externship Program. I acknowledge that my experience might be unique and I was extremely fortunate and blessed to be paired with such an amazing host as the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) was, but […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Daniel Babiracki at Micron

    During my externship at Micron, I had the opportunity to work on two projects. The first was designing a program to bring high school students on site to see semiconductor manufacturing up close. During the process I got to talk with people from all over the company, including engineers, technicians, HR, workforce development, public outreach, […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Jamee Cart at Idaho Division of Career Technical Education

    I, and two other externs, was tasked with creating an online course using Canva for all CTE Administrators. We were given materials to learn from that taught us about the people that would take the course and books and electronic sources to help us learn the materials. We made a new course off of an […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Samual Smith at University of Idaho College of Engineering

    This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in an externship with the University of Idaho College of Engineering, and it was an experience I am genuinely grateful for. The College of Engineering provided me with opportunities to grow professionally, learn new skills, work directly with students, and see firsthand the amount of effort that […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Stephanie Aguilera at Wilder Academy of Virtual Education (WAVE)

    For my project with Wilder Academy of Virtual Education, an online school serving students across Idaho, I was tasked with developing two new-student orientation courses to help students and their learning coach understand what it takes to be successful in an online school environment. I started with courses provided by Accelerate and worked to transform […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Heather Ekhoff at Gizmo-CDA

    From Externship to Classroom My externship gave me the opportunity to step outside of my classroom and learn new skills, tools, and ways of thinking that I can bring directly back to my students. Working alongside a high-caliber mentor teacher and exploring makerspace and CTE experiences helped me see even more clearly how powerful hands-on, […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Allison Scifres-Folwell at Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce

    Project, Goals, and Intended Outcomes During my summer experience with the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce, my project focused on interviewing local businesses and employers to better understand their experiences hiring veterans. I asked businesses a variety of questions about their hiring practices, including whether they interview veterans differently, how they view military training and […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Kristofer Crozier at Drake Cooper, Inc.

    My work with Drake Cooper was revelatory of the many possibilities and insights of the Marketing industry I had severe limited previous knowledge of. As a music educator, I had experience with promoting myself and my program and was shocked when I was able to see what some of the employees and creatives were able […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Eric Spiecker at Competitive Edge Fitness

    From the Gym Floor to the Classroom: What My Externship Taught Me About Research When people hear “English teacher” and “fitness facility externship” in the same sentence, they usually expect a story about staying active or trying out new workout equipment. My experience with Competitive Edge Fitness turned out to be something different — and […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Cara Mia Dorrian at Idaho Division of Career Technical Education

    During my externship with the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education (IDCTE), I had the opportunity to learn about CTE from a completely different perspective. As an educator, I have always understood the importance of providing students with meaningful, engaging, and career-connected learning experiences. This externship allowed me to step outside of my classroom role […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Kristy Chaney at Girl Scouts of Silver Sage

    During my externship with Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, I was tasked with creating hands-on STEM educational experiences for girls of various age levels. My primary projects included developing the curriculum for the Fall, Winter, and Spring STEM camps, as well as creating the Girls Empowering the Future STEM Pathways for middle and high school […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Elizabeth Owens at Caldwell Night Rodeo

    During my externship at the Caldwell Night Rodeo, I had the opportunity to help with a little bit of everything. I measured new buildings and event spaces, helped prepare for rodeo events, organized supplies, ran errands, completed daily tasks, and jumped in wherever I was needed. It was really interesting to see everything that happens […]

  • September 3, 2026 - David Ramos at Idaho National Laboratory

    I was given the opportunity to teach about nuclear energy to kids from all ages that are included in an elementary, middle, and high school levels. I was given a curriculum to follow and a week of training before I started teaching. I was able to observe others teach. I became familiar with the curriculum […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Kristin Jones at Boise Urban Garden School (BUGS)

    This is my second summer participating in the Externship program, and I’ve had the joy of working at Boise Urban Garden School (BUGS) for both summer externships. I would not describe myself as a gardener, but I continue to learn so much about gardening, sustainability, pollinators and insects, beekeeping, and even culinary arts. As far […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Elizabeth James at Soleni Shoes

    Learning Business Beyond the Classroom: My Third Year with Soleni Shoes This year marked my third year completing my externship with Soleni Shoes, a local, woman-run company that I have truly enjoyed working with. Each year has brought new experiences and opportunities to learn more about what it takes to operate a small business. One […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Myriame Fisse at ONRAMP

    Bridging Classrooms and Communities: My Journey with the Idaho OnRamp Externship Insights from Innovative Workshops One of the most invigorating aspects of the Idaho OnRamp Externship was stepping outside the traditional classroom to attend a range of workshops. Observing how various schools and organizations leverage cutting-edge technology was eye-opening. Witnessing firsthand the creative problem-solving and […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Myriame Fisse at Boise State OnRamp

    As an elementary librarian, my primary goal for the Idaho OnRamp Externship was to explore how to extend the library media center’s reach beyond school walls, transforming it into a hub for real-world application. During the externship, I participated in technology-focused workshops and collaborated with local pillars, including the Nampa Library and the Idaho Botanical […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Dee Winegar at Western States CAT

    Working for Western States CAT this summer has been very educational. My principal task was to ensure that their customer database had accurate customer records. Why? • Accurate customer records help connect the customer to CAT services • Accurate customer records allow Western States CAT to support their customers • Accurate customer data is necessary […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Lily Rasmussen at Boys and Girls Club

    This summer, I had the opportunity to lead the STEM program for the Boys & Girls Club’s summer program. My goal was to create hands-on science activities that got students excited to explore, ask questions, and discover how fun STEM can be. Throughout the summer, I designed, taught, and refined a wide variety of lessons […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Peter Clark at Artisan Labs

    # From the Classroom to the Lab: What My STEM Externship Taught Me About Innovation, Failure, and Learning This summer, I had the opportunity to step outside my classroom and into the world of STEM industry through a teacher externship. For five weeks, I worked as a lab technician in the Research & Development department […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Char Kalbfleisch at Discovery Center of Idaho

    One of the most rewarding parts of working with children is finding creative ways to make learning engaging, meaningful, and fun. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with students. They took on the exciting challenge of designing their own communities using Minecraft. What may look like a game on the surface quickly became a […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Rylee Fenwick at Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU)

    During my summer externship at a credit union, I had the opportunity to shadow employees in several departments and assist with projects that supported the organization’s daily operations. My responsibilities included helping organize files, observing how different teams worked together, and learning about the services the credit union offers to its members. The goal of […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Jessica McGinnis at Boise Urban Garden School

    “Look under your stump!” When I give students at BUGS (Boise Urban Garden School) Sprouts Camp that simple direction, our shady circle spot under the trees is suddenly filled with cries of joy (and sometimes disgust) as students tip over the stumps they are sitting on to find worms, millipedes, beetles and earwigs- so many […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Arielle Jensen at International Rescue Committee

    Working at the International Rescue Committee, I had a wonderful experience learning about the resettlement process, as well as immigration law and policies. Part of my role was to work with clients one-on-one (with a caseload of about 10) helping them apply for jobs, interview prep, create a resume, and the onboarding process. I also […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Katherin Dickson at Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom

    I spent my summer externing with Idaho’s Ag In The Classroom! I was kept very busy aligning K-12 agriculture lesson plans to Idaho state content standards. Currently, on the AITC (Ag In The Classroom) website the many wonderful available lesson plans are aligned and matched to national learning objectives. I went through the matrices of […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Chad Harris at Idaho National Laboratory

    This summer, I had the exciting opportunity to teach Idaho National Laboratory’s CyberPatriot and Nuclear Science camps for students in grades 1–12. The project challenged me to make complex topics—including cybersecurity, digital responsibility, nuclear energy, and scientific problem-solving—accessible and engaging for learners across a wide range of ages. The goal was not only to strengthen […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Samuel Davis at UA Local 648 Plumbing and Pipefitters

    I had the privilege of working with the sole coordinator who runs the Local 648 Plumbing and Pipefitting apprenticeship program. The school is a five year program that partners apprentices with companies that provide them with on-the-job training while attending school for ten hours per week. The school is a non-profit and workers admitted to […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Randi Sinclair at The WaterShed

    Reimagining the Nature Play Space at The WaterShed: A Community-Driven Vision What does it mean to create a play space that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong connection to nature? That was the question at the heart of my project to reimagine the Nature Play Space at The WaterShed. Nature play areas are much more […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Jodie Hale at Boise State University

    # Bridging Engineering Education Through Curriculum Development and Outreach During my externship, I had the opportunity to work with Boise State University’s Microelectronics Education and Research Center (MERC) on several projects focused on expanding semiconductor and engineering education for both students and teachers. My primary responsibility was converting the **Chip Chip Hooray (CCH)** curriculum into […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Sarah Atwell at Museum of Idaho

    Preserving the Past and Inspiring the Future: My STEM Externship at the Museum of Idaho This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Idaho STEM Externship Program at the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls. I truly loved working at the museum and learning about the important work happening behind the scenes. […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Erik Kendall at IRON — Idaho Regional Optical Network

    I teach CTE cybersecurity and programming at Renaissance High School in the West Ada School District. This summer I worked with IRON, the Idaho Regional Optical Network, on a question that sounds simple until you try to answer it: how do Idaho’s K-12 schools get onto eduroam? **The Project** Eduroam is the global roaming Wi-Fi […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Tonya Symons at Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR) – Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

    Expanding Career Pathways Through Idaho Vocational Rehabilitation This summer, I participated in the Idaho STEM Action Center and Workforce Development Council Educator Externship Program with the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR). IDVR helps individuals with disabilities prepare for employment, education, and independent living. My externship focused on learning how Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) support […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Esther Emery at Children’s Museum of Idaho

    I spent my externship at the Children’s Museum of Idaho: building highly engaging educational activities and sometimes delivering activities alongside the program staff. CMI is a pretty awesome place. There’s a planetarium, dozens of things to build and build with, costumes for creative play, handleable live animals, and drop-in activities happening all day. Lots of […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Emily Aldridge at Girl Scouts of Silver Sage

    The Girl Scouts of Silver Sage are an exemplary organization and I was most fortunate to get to work with them. As the 2026 extern I worked remotely creating badge lesson plans for their 2027 girl scout summer camps. I was even invited to spend time at their beautiful camp. I was unable to attend […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Andrew Hutchings at Micron

    My biggest project during my externship with Micron was to create educational resources for their free online educator hub. This built upon the work I had completed during my previous externship last summer, making it quite easy to get right back to work. Ultimately, the intended outcome of this project was to make semiconductor-related STEM […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Sherise Porchia at Idaho Workforce Development Council

    Returning to the Idaho Workforce Development Council for my third summer reminded me that some of the most meaningful work happens long before a student ever walks through a career fair or meets with a school counselor. Behind every resource, partnership, and opportunity is a team asking thoughtful questions about how to better serve Idaho […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Elisabeth Yates at Idaho Out-of-School Network

    This summer, I had the opportunity to work with the Idaho Out-of-School Network to help develop, write, and roll out a brand-new math games curriculum for K-8 learners. It was an incredible chance to blend my classroom experience with expert insight to create something I know will make a real difference for kids. A math […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Addie Ashton at Micron

    As a College and Career Counselor, my goal is to help students connect their interests and strengths to real-world opportunities. This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a Micron externship focused on STEM workforce development, university partnerships, and the semiconductor industry. The experience provided valuable insight into how education and industry work together […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Travis Pizinger at Idaho Falls Zoo

    This summer, I had the wonderful chance to work at the Idaho Falls Zoo. My main mission this year has been supporting the educational department with their summer camps, building educational materials, and audits for signage. Data, a major focus for this summer, was used to create a new layout for the zoo’s newest habitat […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Brianna Stahly-Hale at Foothills Learning Center

    Describe the project you were tasked with. What were the goals and intended outcomes? During my placement at the FLC, I worked with instructors in an outdoor learning (camp like) environment, supporting children ages 3½ to 10. I helped facilitate outdoor lessons and activities that encouraged curiosity, exploration, and hands-on learning. The goal was to […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Shannon Olsen at Idaho Innovation Center

    This summer, I was tasked with using technology to support the organization and planning of a large-scale business relocation at my externship site, the Idaho Innovation Center. The organization is moving after 40 years in its current location because its building lease is not being renewed. The primary goals of the project were to organize […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Rachael Clarke at Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park

    This summer I was lucky enough to work with the Idaho Falls Zoo for the second year in a row. Just like last summer, my work was based in the Zoo’s Education Center. Our main focus this year was to further develop the survey program, and expand on the research done last summer. Sooner than […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Marilyn Gibson at High Country Concrete

    This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with High Country Concrete, and the experience gave me perspective that I can bring into my third grade classroom. Although construction and teaching may seem very different, I discovered many meaningful connections. At High Country Concrete, I saw the importance of teamwork, careful planning, problem-solving, and perseverance. […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Colton Walker at Wild West Farms

    I was tasked with seeing the entire farming process from beginning to end in a small capacity or another. I worked to learn about the planting process and how it is determined what to plant and how government does various items to encourage or hinder farmers from planting specific products to help the prices and […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Rick Folwell at Mission Critical Group

    Mission Critical Group is a power solutions manufacturing company, with local facilities in Caldwell and Nampa. They have experienced rapid growth in recent years, adding over 1000 employees , with new locations all over the country. I was tasked with helping the training department develop company wide standard operating proceedures, work instructions, training guides, and […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Marissa Honley at Idaho National Laboratory

    My externship at Idaho National Laboratory was an incredible experience that strengthened my passion for STEM education. I had the opportunity to work with an amazing staff while teaching students from first through eighth grade about nuclear science through engaging activities. One of the highlights was helping students create projects to present to their parents […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Brian Coffey at Boise State University TRIO Upward Bound Summer Program 2026

    This summer, I had the opportunity to return to Boise State University’s TRIO Upward Bound Summer Program, but my role expanded significantly from last year. In addition to serving as an Internship Liaison, I also taught an English Language Arts course for students in grades 9–12. Having the opportunity to work with students both in […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Patsy Jackson at Rustic Roots Salon & SPA

    When people think of STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—they often picture laboratories, robotics, or software development. But STEM is also woven into industries you might not expect, including the beauty and wellness world. As part of my externship, I was tasked with learning the process of a salon and spa. Beauty is backed by science, […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Neva Noe at BSU Trio Upward Bound Summer School

    During my time with the Trio upward bound summer school program at BSU, I was tasked with teaching a semester of multimedia and a semester of economics to high school students. Classes were 3.5 hours long and I needed to not only cover content to meet state standards, but needed to engage students to support […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Lawrance Nai at Idaho National Laboratory

    I was tasked with facilitating cybersecurity camps for middle school camps and high school camps, as well as K-8 science camps focused on introducing basic understanding of atoms, nuclear power, and how reactors produce energy that power our communities. The objectives were very clear, in the cyber camps we helped students understand basic cybersecurity fundamentals […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Kilee Willis Rustic Roots Salon and Spa

    This summer, I had the opportunity to complete an externship at a local salon and spa to gain a better understanding of the skills and knowledge needed in today’s workforce. My project involved observing the daily operations of the business, including customer service, scheduling, teamwork, sanitation practices, and communication. The goal was to learn how […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Cynthia Labenski at Micron Technologies

    Through the Idaho STEM Externship Program I partnered with Micron — engaging in Micron campus tours, contributing to the M‑Connect automated tour platform, and collaborating with the Micron Foundation’s People Department. These experiences enabled me to design hands-on, career-connected learning (e.g., CPU & RAM investigations, AI & ELA units, and informational essay projects) that provide […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Erica Grell at Micron

    Extern Blog – Erica Grell Innovation Close Up Walking into Micron, I expected to learn about technology. What I didn’t expect was how much I would learn about people, purpose, and the power of community. From the very beginning, I was welcomed by individuals from so many different departments—each one kind, passionate, and genuinely proud […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Nikki Bothman at Idaho Humane Society

    My time at the humane society was eye opening. I saw what happens behind the scenes and what it takes to shelter animals while they wait for their forever homes. Campers came each week and helped with animal care, animal enrichment and spent time with all the animals to ensure they weren’t lonely. Campers made […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Payton Berry at EZ Exteriors LLC

    During my 200-hour placement at EZ Exteriors LLC, I was tasked with learning and evaluating the process of creating accurate roofing and siding takeoffs from 3D renderings. The primary goal of the project was twofold: to develop competency in the technical aspects of estimating exterior construction projects and to identify areas where the company’s training […]

  • September 3, 2026 - Lola Johnson at Lee Pesky Learning Center

    For several years I had heard about the Lee Pesky Learning Center and the strong, positive impact it has on students. I was honored to work with this nonprofit whose mission is to set children up for academic success through educator training, small-group literacy, individualized evaluations, academic intervention and coaching, and counseling. My primary assignment […]