Experiential learning gained alongside vital professional development while providing important work for local non-profit organizations is at the heart of a prestigious Morningside University summer cooperative with Tyson Foods, Inc., and Iowa Campus Compact.

Shannon De Clute, associate professor of social sciences and associate vice-president for career and employer engagement Stacie Hays call the Tyson Summer Internship program a “win-win.”

“The program provides students and nonprofits a chance to grow from each other,” De Clute noted. “The students not only gain valuable hands-on learning, but they also develop professional skills and grow in their capacity to work with a multicultural community.”

“In turn, the nonprofits benefit from the skill sets and perspectives that the college students offer while not having to stretch their already tight budgets,” she added.

The 2022 possibilities, highlighted at a special group presentation Friday, July 29, ranged from a chance to work with youth camps at the LaunchPad Children’s Museum to offering key legal guidance for immigrant families at the Mary J. Treglia House. The following are the 2022 Tyson Foods Summer Community Internships students from Morningside University and their work sites:

Ronald McDonald House – Megan Kyhl, sr., Slater, Iowa
LaunchPad Children’s Museum – Isaac Bower,  sr., Massena, Iowa
Siouxland CARES – Rocio De Leon, so., Sioux City, Iowa
Mary J. Treglia House – Agnes Therese Gardener, jr., Halden, Norway, and Joe Ciriaco, jr., Papillion, Neb.
Camp High Hopes – Kami TIbben, sr., Stanton, Iowa
Food Bank of Siouxland– Payton Miller, jr., Rock Springs, Wy.
Buy Fresh Buy Local – Alexis Spier, jr., Gretna, Neb.
Big Brothers Big Sisters – Jorden Presnall, jr., LeMars, Iowa
Boys Town – Emma Hannasch, sr., Glidden, Iowa
Haven House – Katie Murphy, jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.
Heartland Counseling – Nayely Godoy, so., Sioux City, Iowa
Sioux City Human Rights Commission – Paige Taylor, jr., Lansing, Kan.
Catholic Charities – Rachel Steinkamp, sr., Arcadia, Iowa
The Salvation Army – Jayden Steffen, jr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Women Aware – Genevieve Bundy, sr., Lincoln, Neb.
Siouxland Mental Health Center – Jackson Dotzler, sr., Omaha, Neb.
Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA – Jaelin Portis, sr., Hazelwood, Mo.

Eighteen of the 21 Siouxland-area slots were held down by Morningside University students.

“Our students have participated in this event from the jump,” Arens Hays said. “We see this as a great way to supplement their in-class learning with hands on applied projects that immediately benefit our community.”

The Tyson Foods Summer Community Internship Program at Morningside University, in its fifth year, is possible through the generosity of Tyson Foods. It provides full-time college students an eight-week paid summer internship to assist community organizations while gaining experience with diverse social issues.