Join the IU students who are contributing meaningful work in our rural communities while sharpening their skills and developing networks for fruitful careers in Indiana. See how community collaborations can empower you to apply classroom lessons to real issues and problems facing our rural neighbors, creating a lasting positive impact for both you and our communities. Explore the exciting experiential learning opportunities offered through the IU Center for Rural Engagement.
Current opportunities
Get involved with the Rural Scholars Program
The Rural Scholars Program at the Center for Rural Engagement matches passionate and skilled Indiana University students with projects that advance the vitality of Indiana’s rural communities.
Applicants must be enrolled at Indiana University as an undergraduate or graduate student.
Rural Scholars are selected based on their ability to:
- Reflect respect for the assets and unique qualities of rural Indiana communities.
- Integrate classroom learning with partner-identified projects.
- Represent Indiana University as a trusted partner among rural communities across Indiana.
Qualifications and preferred skills for each unique internship position will be detailed on internship positions posted on jobs.iu.edu.
- Rural Scholars will receive supervision from Center for Rural Engagement staff and community partners. Scholars have periodic Rural Scholars Program meetings facilitated by Center for Rural Engagement staff.
- Scholars are encouraged, as applicable, to seek internship credit through their academic program for their internship experience.
- Scholars receive hourly compensation and some travel reimbursement.
Rural Scholars Program partners IU students with vital projects in rural communities
Launched in the fall of 2024, Rural Scholars Program students recorded the oral histories of Black elders for Indiana Landmarks' Black Heritage Preservation Program; created placemaking designs for the communities of Washington and Ferdinand; performed archival work for the Santa Claus Museum & Village in Santa Claus, Indiana; and advanced rural health initiatives in south central Indiana.
Read the articleHear from fellow students and alumni
Brittany Eckler
Rural Scholars Program
IU graduate student Brittany Eckler helped preserve letters to Santa—some nearly 100 years old—as a Rural Archives Scholar partnering with Santa Claus Museum and Village in Santa Claus, Indiana.
Read Brittany's story
Seth Hinshaw
O'Neill Online Week
Earning an online MPA, Seth Hinshaw and his classmates spent a week developing a comprehensive plan to improve volunteer fire services across Washington County, Indiana.
Read Seth's story
Sara Marshall
Rural Placemaking Studio
As an intern with the Rural Placemaking Studio, Sara used her passion for storytelling to help protect the memories and histories of rural communities through rich, creative placemaking initiatives.
Read Sara's story
Izzy Blazey
IU Cybersecurity Clinic
A recent IU graduate got the chance to help strengthen cybersecurity in her rural hometown of Jasper, Indiana, by guiding government officials in their approach to choosing a new county-wide emergency alert system.
Read Izzy's story
Jessica Pinyerd
School of Public Health
As a graduate student in the IU School of Public Health and a working professional at the Indiana Department of Health, Jessica Pinyerd is uniquely positioned to understand the complexities of addressing mental health challenges in rural Indiana.
Read Jessica's story
Lindsay Rasnake
Indiana Geological & Water Survey
A master's student at the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Lindsay worked with the Indiana Geological & Water Survey to locate, sample, and analyze groundwater springs throughout the Indiana Uplands region.
Read Lindsay's story