SECU Public Fellows Internship - Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)

The State Employees Credit Union Public Fellows Internship program offers current UNC Asheville students internships with high quality nonprofit and government organizations focused on improving life in rural North Carolina for a diverse array of residents. SECU Public Fellows interns will work full-time (38-40 hours per week) from June 6th to August 1, 2022 at their internship site while being paid $15.50/hour by UNC Asheville (up to $4,960 per internship), funded by a grant from the SECU Foundation.

If offered a SECU Public Fellows Internship from a SECU site, students must enroll in IST 325 for the summer, a remote 3-credit hour course that will provide professional development for students to make the most of their internship experience.

To be eligible for the SECU Public Fellows Internship at UNC Asheville, students must:

Students who intend to remain in North Carolina after graduation and serve North Carolinians through government or nonprofit work are strongly preferred. We are seeking students who demonstrate leadership ability, a commitment to volunteer service, a commitment to serving rural North Carolina as the start to their careers, with strong writing ability.

The due date for the SECU Public Fellows Internship application is March 7th. Those who meet the criteria listed above will be forwarded to ABCCM for an interview for the specific internship listed below. The site will determine their preferred candidate.

The Local Food Promotions intern will support the operations of ASAP’s Local Food Campaign

and the ASAP Farmers Market. The intern’s responsibilities will divide their time between

supporting ASAP’s Appalachian Grown certification program, conducting general farmer and

business outreach, social media and assisting in the organization, operation, and promotion of

ASAP events including the annual Farm Tour and ASAP Farmer’s Market. Additional

responsibilities may include research and administrative activities, data entry, tabling at ASAP

and community events, and preparing/assembling farmer and program materials.

Qualifications required:

● Enthusiasm for customer engagement

● Excellent written and oral communication skills; creative communicator

● Comfortable talking with the public and on the phone

● Detail oriented and organized

● Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive

● Photography skills a plus

● Availability to work Saturdays at market

Responsibilities may include:

● Running the market information booth: operating the market token program (swiping

credit and EBT cards in exchange of market tokens) and answering customer questions.

● Assisting in the setup and breakdown of the market information booth and market

displays; this task requires heavy lifting (canopy tents, folding tables, chairs, etc.) of up

to 30lbs.

● Supporting the staff in planning and executing promotional activities and special events.

● Help recruit volunteers at local tailgate markets, events, and the ASAP Market.

● Work with volunteers to help distribute event posters in Buncombe, Yancey, Haywood,

Madison, McDowell, Henderson, and Transylvania counties.

● Promote farm tour at local events, businesses, and tailgate markets

● Help with assembly and distribution of materials for farmers, pass vendors, and farm tour

volunteers

● Distribution of Farm Tour Guide/map

● General AG support

● Other Local Food Campaign activities as necessary

.