Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative: For Site Hosts
Local Talent. Lasting Impact.
Meaningful internships can make a lasting difference for students, organizations, and the communities they serve. Through the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative (RII), businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations in rural North Carolina can connect with motivated Golden LEAF Scholars ready to learn, contribute, and grow.
As an RII host site, your organization can benefit from fresh perspectives and support for meaningful projects while helping scholars build professional skills and discover career opportunities in rural North Carolina. Golden LEAF covers scholar intern wages, making it easier for organizations to invest in emerging talent.
Why Host a Golden LEAF Scholar?
Partner with Golden LEAF to support emerging talent, advance meaningful work, and help scholars discover the career opportunities available in rural North Carolina.
Fresh Perspectives
Bring new ideas, energy, and skills to your organization while giving a scholar the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects.
Mentorship That Matters
Help a scholar develop workplace confidence, professional skills, and valuable connections through guidance and hands-on experience.
Wages Covered by Golden LEAF
Golden LEAF covers scholar intern wages of $16–$18 per hour, allowing your organization to participate without taking on intern wage costs.
Invest in Rural Talent
Introduce emerging professionals to local career opportunities and help strengthen the future workforce in rural North Carolina.
What Makes a Great Host Site?
You don’t need an established internship program to make a meaningful impact! RII welcomes businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations in qualifying rural North Carolina counties that are committed to helping scholars learn, grow, and gain professional experience.
Meaningful Work
Hands-on projects connected to a scholar’s interests and career goals.
Dedicated Supervision
A supervisor who provides guidance, feedback, and support.
A Structured Experience
Clear expectations, an agreed-upon schedule, and opportunities to grow.
Communication & Feedback
Regular check-ins and participation in required evaluations.
How It Works
Ready to become an RII host site? Here’s how your organization can get involved.
1. Express Your Interest
Complete the Site Interest Form to tell us about your organization and your interest in hosting a Golden LEAF Scholar intern.
2. Share Your Internship Opportunity
Submit a job description outlining the proposed responsibilities, projects, and learning opportunities. The RII team will review your submission and, once approved, make your opportunity available to scholars through the Internship Site Directory.
3. Connect With Interested Scholars
Scholars identify and reach out to potential host sites. We encourage you to connect with interested students by phone, virtually, or in person to discuss the opportunity and determine whether it’s a good fit for both parties.
4. Confirm Your Intern & Get Ready
Once you’ve identified a scholar you’d like to host, complete the required confirmation process. Approved placements will proceed through onboarding and orientation before the internship begins.
Helpful Resources for Host Sites
Find the tools and information you need to become an RII host site, manage your internship opportunity, and prepare for a successful summer experience.
Become a Host Site
New to RII? Complete the Site Interest Form to tell us about your organization and proposed internship opportunity.
Complete Site Interest Form
Access the Site Portal
Already registered? Access your organization’s information, submit or update a job description, and complete required program actions.
Access Site Portal
Host Site Information Flyer
Get a quick overview of the program, benefits, expectations, and participation process.
Download Host Site Flyer
Host Site Resources
Find additional program information and tools to help you prepare for and support your scholar intern.
Explore Host Site Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about hosting a Golden LEAF Scholar intern? Explore answers to some of the most common questions below.
Does it cost anything to host a scholar intern?
Golden LEAF covers scholar intern wages of $16–$18 per hour, so participating organizations are not responsible for intern wage costs. Host sites are responsible for providing supervision and any additional site-specific associated costs.
What types of organizations can participate?
Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies located in qualifying rural North Carolina counties may participate. Internship opportunities must meet RII program guidelines and provide meaningful, career-connected experiences.
Do we need to have an established internship program?
No! Organizations do not need an existing internship program to participate. Host sites should be prepared to provide meaningful work, a designated supervisor, regular feedback, and opportunities for scholars to develop professional skills.
Are we guaranteed an intern if we register?
No. Scholars identify and pursue internship opportunities based on their interests and career goals. Registering as a host site allows your approved opportunity to be shared with scholars, but it does not guarantee placement.
Can our organization host more than one scholar?
Organizations interested in hosting multiple scholars should indicate their anticipated capacity when submitting their internship information. All placements are subject to program review and approval.
How many hours can a scholar work?
RII offers two experience tracks: Exploratory (under 200 hours) and Immersive (200–400 hours). Scholars may work up to 40 hours per week, and internship schedules should be established collaboratively between the scholar and host site.
What if we have additional questions or need help developing an internship opportunity?
The RII team can provide guidance on participation requirements, internship job descriptions, and preparing for a meaningful scholar experience. Contact [email protected] for assistance.
Questions? We're Here to Help.
Interested in hosting a scholar intern but have questions about the process? Our RII team is happy to help you explore the opportunity and determine the next steps for your organization.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 252-216-2575
Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Interested in hosting a scholar intern but have questions about the process?
Our RII team is happy to help you explore the opportunity and determine the next steps for your organization.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 252-216-2575