Students Intern at Center for Rural Development

LWC students Cristin Duncan and Elizabeth Goode were summer interns at
The Center for Rural Development. From left: Youth Programs Coordinator Laure
Hayes, Duncan, Goode and Forward in the Fifth Executive Director Jim Tackett.
 

SOMERSET, Ky. -- Two Lindsey Wilson College students received on-the-job training and practical work experience this summer in internships with The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, Ky.

The interns worked side-by-side with The Center's professional staff to build their skills and advance their careers.

LWC senior Elizabeth Goode of Somerset was an intern for the second summer. In 2011, she returned to The Center to continue work with Forward in the Fifth, an affiliate of The Center, and The Center's summer youth leadership programs. She worked under Forward in the Fifth Executive Director Jim Tackett and Youth Programs Coordinator Lauren Hayes. Goode plans to become a teacher.

"I have been able to experience the world of education from a different perspective," Goode said. "By working at The Center, I will be better prepared to be an effective teacher, because I know how much work goes into educating students and preparing them for the real world." 

LWC senior Cristin Duncan of Russell Springs, Ky., worked with The Center's Homeland Security Training programs and portions of its summer youth leadership programs under the guidance of Hayes and Director of Homeland Security Training Programs Jessica Melton.

"I wanted to pursue an internship at The Center because of the valuable experience I would gain from working there," Duncan said. "I have developed my professional skills by putting myself in a professional working atmosphere."

After LWC, Duncan plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career as a physician's assistant.

Established in 1996, The Center for Rural Development is a nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In its 42-county primary service region, The Center provides innovative programs in leadership, public safety, technology, and arts and culture. The Center is committed to constantly expanding its capabilities in order to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation.