Boys Town Iowa was chosen by Tyson Foods as one of three non-profits in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to have a paid internship this summer. The Tyson Foods Summer Community Internship Program is administered through Campus Compact which is a national coalition of over 1,000 colleges and universities who are committed to building democracy through civic education and community development.

Sarah Kilnoski was chosen as Boys Town's summer Tyson intern, she is an Iowa Western Community College student studying psychology. Sarah worked out of the Council Bluffs office for Boys Town Iowa In-Home Family Services Program. She has been able to see a wide range of services provided in Iowa such as direct care, outreach opportunities, and collaboration with other providers.

Sarah explained that this internship with Boys Town has provided her with so much experience that a classroom could never give her. She was able to be a part of In-Home Family Support cases that were referred from Iowa Department of Human Services, Iowa Juvenile Court Services, and Voluntary and Preventative cases referred by Council Bluffs School District.  She also was able to participate in the Fathers Matter and Fill My Bucket community events.

"The experiences I've had during my internship have truly been life changing and have confirmed that this is exactly what I want to be doing after college," said Sarah. "My time at Boys Town has been nothing short of amazing."

Kristina Krause-Bumgardner, Director of In-Home Family Services, Boys Town Iowa, shared how an internship like this allows students to see first-hand Boys Town's quality and professionalism when it comes to working with children and families in the community.

"The Tyson internship has awarded Boys Town Iowa the opportunity to spotlight our programs and services to individuals who are working towards a human services degree. This grant not only allows us to share our mission and vision, but also enables Boys Town Iowa to compensate individuals for their time while learning," said Kristina.

This Tyson internship is a great program that allows students to get hands on experience and also allows Boys Town Iowa to promote our organization for future employment.  Next year, Boys Town Iowa hopes to add Tyson summer internships from Morningside College and Buena Vista University as well.