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John Deere Scholars Strategic Initiatives Intern – College & Career Readiness Program

Posting ID 150852
Department University College/University College
Jobcode Temp Professional Employee
Working Title John Deere Scholars Strategic Initiatives Intern – College & Career Readiness Program
Details

Job Title: John Deere Scholars Strategic Initiatives Intern – College & Career Readiness Program 
Location: Davenport, Iowa  
Duration: *Academic year or Spring Semester* TBD 
Reports To: John Deere Scholars High School Program Director 

About the Program 

This forward-thinking initiative is a collaborative effort between the University of Iowa, John Deere, and the Davenport Community School District, designed to strengthen college and career readiness among high school students. Supported by a $6.6 million grant from John Deere, the program offers comprehensive support to help students achieve their post-secondary goals, including a scholarship that covers 90% of college expenses for 20 students each year for the next three years (60 students total), significantly expanding access to higher education.

Position Overview 

The Strategic Initiatives Intern contributes meaningfully to the design, execution, and assessment of a dynamic college and career readiness program serving over 150 high school students. This role provides valuable, hands-on experience in program development, stakeholder collaboration, curriculum planning, and event management.

Key Responsibilities 

Program Development & Operations 

  • Create scalable internal and external handbooks to streamline operations, improve onboarding, and support long-term program sustainability. 

  • Coordinate logistics and execution of major events including the Scholarship Announcement, Career Connection Event, and Recognition Banquet.

Strategic Collaboration 

  • Work closely with staff and partners to co-develop a mentorship program proposal, incorporating research and collaborative input. 

  • Facilitate communication between the University of Iowa, John Deere, and the Davenport Community School District to align shared goals. 

Curriculum & Instruction 

  • Design and deliver lessons to high school students focused on college applications, scholarships, resume building, and career exploration. 

  • Develop curriculum modules to build essential college and career readiness skills.

Communications & Branding 

  • Produce branded materials and digital content to support the program’s communication strategy. 

  • Contribute to data-informed evaluations aligned with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and student success outcomes. 

Innovation & Impact 

  • Support the launch of a new partnership program to enhance post-secondary access and student engagement. 

  • Review and analyze program data to assess impact and inform continuous improvement.

Qualifications 

  • Currently pursuing a degree in Social Work, Marketing, Public Policy, Communications, Education or a related field. 

  • Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills. 

  • Passion for educational equity, youth development, and community engagement. 

  • Experience supporting high school students from multiple backgrounds, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds as they navigate the transition to post-secondary education and career pathways and experience with curriculum development, event planning, or stakeholder engagement is a plus.

 
Contact KATHERINE LICHT
Email: katherine-licht@uiowa.edu
Application Instructions Please send a copy of your resume and cover letter to Katherine Licht at katherine-licht@uiowa.edu
Ad Start Date 07/02/2025
Ad End Date 07/31/2025