The CALS Rural Works! Internship Program at NC State University is an experiential learning program designed to engage undergraduate students in paid summer internships with employers in rural North Carolina. The goal is simple and powerful: cultivate a new generation of professionals committed to living, working, and leading in rural communities.
This innovative structure enables smaller organizations to access top-tier student talent while positioning rural internships as attractive, high-value opportunities for career-minded students.
CALS Rural Works! Employer Profile
- Located in a North Carolina Tier 1 or Tier 2 county
- Small business
- Able to provide a meaningful full-time work experience in agriculture or life sciences for 10 weeks in Summer 2026.
- Willing to pay a base wage of at least $7.25/hour*.
*The program offers a unique funding model that makes internships feasible for both employers and students. Participating employers agree to pay a student intern $7.25/hour, 40 hours/week for 10 weeks. NC State University—through a CALS stipend—contributes an additional $5,000 to the student over a 10-week summer period.
Benefits to Employers
- Access to a pool of talented NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences student applicants
- Immediate assistance with projects
- A “first look” at potential employees
- Support from CALS Rural Works! Staff in creating and sustaining the position
- Showcase your community as a place to establish careers
- Develop a pathway of talent for your company and community
Become a CALS Rural Works! Employer for Summer 2026
Complete our interest form to verify your eligibilty.
Contact cals-ruralworks@ncsu.edu for more information.