STEM Education & Visitor Services Intern

NPS Unit: Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

Location: Hayneville, AL

NPS Representative: Shirley Baxter

Project Title: STEM Education & Visitor Services Intern

Position Summary The STEM Education & Visitor Services Intern will support innovative, interdisciplinary programming at the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, commemorating the 1965 Voting Rights March and the ongoing struggle for voting rights in the U.S.

This position integrates STEM concepts with civil rights history, using tools such as mapping, data analysis, environmental conditions, and infrastructure to help visitors—especially youth—understand the physical and social realities of the 54-mile march. The intern will deliver hands-on educational experiences, engage visitors in meaningful learning, and support daily visitor services operations.

Key Responsibilities STEM Education & Program Development

• Design and facilitate STEM-based educational activities connected to the Selma to Montgomery march (e.g., mapping distances, analyzing terrain, weather, and logistics)
• Support development of hands-on learning modules for K–12 students and youth groups
• Translate historical events into data-driven and experiential learning opportunities

Visitor Engagement & Interpretation

• Welcome and orient visitors at the visitor center and trail access points
• Provide historical context of the Selma to Montgomery march
• Assist with interpretive programs and guided tours
• Engage visitors through interactive demonstrations and activities

Youth & Community Programming

• Support school groups, summer programs, and youth engagement initiatives
• Facilitate small-group learning activities
• Help create inclusive and engaging learning environments

Program & Event Support

• Assist with planning and execution of public programs and commemorative events
• Support logistics including setup, materials preparation, and visitor coordination
• Contribute creative ideas to enhance visitor experience

Digital & Interactive Learning Tools

• Assist in developing simple digital or visual tools (maps, timelines, activity sheets)
• Support storytelling through interactive content
• Document programs through photos, summaries, or social media

Documentation & Reporting

• Track participation and engagement in STEM programs
• Collect visitor feedback and learning outcomes
• Assist with reporting and program evaluation

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Work closely with NPS staff, educators, and GYF program managers
• Participate in weekly check-ins and InternXL professional development sessions
• Present final project and program outcomes

Learning Goals

• Experience integrating STEM with public history and interpretation
• Development of curriculum design and facilitation skills
• Increased understanding of civil rights history through applied learning
• Experience in visitor engagement and educational programming
• Professional growth in public lands education and community engagement

Mentoring

• Direct guidance from NPS staff and educators
• Support from GYF program managers through check-ins and professional development sessions

Qualifications

• Background or interest in STEM fields, education, geography, environmental science, or related disciplines
• Interest in civil rights history and public engagement
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Experience working with youth or in educational settings
• Ability to make complex concepts engaging and accessible

Position Dates May 11, 2026 – July 31, 2026