Kay Jorgensen Interpretive Internship Program

Each year, the Mount Rushmore Society supports approximately six young adults through the Kay Jorgensen Interpretive Internship Program at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Begun in 2015, this scholarship program provides a stipend and housing for young adults interested in exploring a career in park management, interpretation, and resource education.

In doing so, the Society is not only meeting a critical need for the park by increasing the interpretive staff by 33% during the park’s peak season, but it is also nurturing the next generation of park interpreters.

These interns, under the supervision and guidance of National Park Service staff, create engaging talks and programs for the visiting public throughout the summer. Each intern works 40 hours a week over the course of 12 to 13 weeks. They give three to five talks a day, work at the information desks answering visitors’ questions, and contribute with informal interpretation opportunities while roving the park. This experience provides a priceless opportunity for these young adults, and roughly 20% of the program’s alumni have gone on to professions in park management and resource education.

The cost for this program is nearly $10,000 per intern per year. If you would like to know how you can contribute to this important program, please contact Stephanie Helms at stephanie@mtrushmore.org or click below.

For more information about how to apply for this internship, click here.