R2026101393 Archiving Our Stories: Engaging Rural Youth in Exploring Their Heritage

Position Summary:

Douglas County, Colorado offers a mixture of urban and rural landscapes located just south of Denver. The county has a long history of being a travel corridor. Historically, travelers have made their way through Douglas County via the Smoky Hill Trail, the Cherokee Trail, and the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Today, thousands of travelers pass through the county via I-25 daily. Douglas County's rich agricultural heritage, stemming from beef cattle and dairy production since the 1800s, is commemorated annually through events such as Castle Rock’s Western Heritage Weekend and the Douglas County Fair. Even though the county is only about thirty miles in width, the region is currently seeing significant population growth. As more residents move into the area and historic cattle grazing lands are developed for housing, it becomes imperative to reflect upon how changes in the landscape relate to sustaining a sense of community.

Through the efforts of the Douglas County Libraries' Archives and Local History Center, Larkspur Historical Society, Parker Area Historical Society, Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum, and other heritage institutions, materials documenting the history of the area are being preserved. To aid this work, it is important to record the voices of individuals who have worked the land, used public spaces, and lived within this ever-changing region. Capturing their stories provides a rich narrative of the region and how space creates community. The Extension 4-H program, serving young individuals of Douglas County for over a century, can offer opportunities to develop skills in writing, interviewing, archival research, event design and hosting, record-keeping, and public history preservation and access.

After developing their own proficiency in archival research and oral history interviewing, the intern will support and assist in the training of Douglas County 4-H youth to collect oral histories of community elders. Travel to Douglas County is expected in late June or early July.

Department Name:

OEE Extension Centers (4048)

Anticipated Start Date:

5/16/2026

Anticipated Weekly Hours:

30 hours per week

Required Job Qualifications:

• Completed course work in history, creative writing, composition, education, communications or agriculture.
• CSU grade point average of 2.5 or above.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively based on written application materials.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Experience working with young people aged 8 to 18.
• Strong interest in the preservation of community history.
• Previous experience with research or work experience with CSU Extension.

Essential Duties:

• Research Douglas County history using primary source materials.
• Develop skills in conducting and transcribing oral histories.
• Work with local Extension mentor to teach and supervise youth in conducting oral histories.
• Compile a spreadsheet of Douglas County heritage institutions, with collection strengths and notable exhibits.
• Create a poster that encapsulates the work you completed over the summer and present it to Extension Faculty and Staff at OEE’s annual forum next fall.

Application Instructions:

For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED in Workday no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Please submit the following to apply:

Resume

Special Required Document - This document should address the following three questions:

• In 200 words or less, please describe why you are interested in this internship opportunity.
• In 200 words or less, please tell us a little about yourself - where you are from, why you are at CSU and studying what you're studying, and what are your career ambitions?
• In 200 words or less, please tell us what you hope to learn from an Extension Internship this summer and how will the internship help you to achieve your career objectives?

For questions regarding the application process, contact the OEE HR at OEE_HR@colostate.edu. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and hourly pay rate, please contact Kyla Davis at KylaM.Davis@colostate.edu.

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents in the Required Application Documents section. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Resume/CV, Special Required Documentation

Application Details

• Background Check Language: Colorado State University may conduct background checks on final candidates.
• Benefit Information: Employee benefit information can be found on HR’s Website at https://hr.colostate.edu/currentemployees/benefits/
• For work-study positions, students must have OR be able to obtain work-study before starting employment. Students can check their work study award on Ramweb. If an award isn't shown on their financial aid package, then they should contact the Office of Financial Aid at OFApay@colostate.edu to have an advisor review their eligibility.