Are you a University student interested in social change? From June 7-16, 2019, the Appalachian Summit Center, a Bluefield University affiliate, will host its ten-day Living Learning Community Summer Internship program.
“The Living Learning Community Summer Internship Program will feature local entrepreneurs and community leaders from the Greater Bluefield area along with leaders from Bluefield University,” says Assistant Project Manager, Josh Dye.
Students will discover the characteristics of a rural, isolated community, assess key challenges including social inequities arising from geographic isolation and the lack of quality food sources and identify possible innovations to aid in progressing the region forward. As part of the internship opportunity, they will also be provided with a chance to engage with local leaders on a micro-level community improvement project and experience local attractions.
Also, students will work alongside builders and social innovators to develop new ways to build healthy and sustainable communities. Participants will become more aware of the unique challenges that rural communities face while studying social injustice and geographic isolation.
This internship will allow students to explore innovations such as tourism, agribusiness, arts, and entrepreneurship and discover their own strengths while assessing problems faced by a rural Appalachian community. Participants will also be able to learn how they can make a difference in their communities.
Any University student from any major is allowed to attend and participate. However, Bluefield University business students are strongly encouraged to participate as they can earn two hours of internship credit out of the three required to graduate.
The cost of tuition for the Living Learning Community Summer Internship Program is $649. A discounted price of $499 will be offered to those who pay before May 20. Students can register online at appalachiansummit.org.