AHA Youth Activities & Foundation - Summer Intern Program

The NJHA takes great pride in providing exceptional learning opportunities that offer real-world application. Past interns have continued to work for the AHA and others have gone on to be industry leaders. Youth Activities & Foundation – Summer Intern Program Application Due Jan. 15, 2026 The American Hereford Association (AHA) will be hiring one-two youth activities interns for the summer of 2026. The purpose of the internship is to provide a multi-faceted learning experience for a college student interested in beef breed association work, public relations and leadership. Also, to provide the AHA with assistance in event planning and management, junior show coverage and leading the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Board of Directors and membership. Major Responsibilities Assist the youth department of the American Hereford Association with various summer activities including planning for the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) and Faces of Leadership conference. The JNHE is one of the largest junior breed events in the world, showcasing more than 1,300 head of Hereford cattle and 800 junior members. In addition to the cattle shows, the JNHE offers more than 20 skill-based contests throughout the week and the intern plays a key role in assisting with the contests and making sure that they run efficiently and effectively both before and during the event. The intern works closely with the 12-member junior board as well as the JNHE Ambassador team throughout the summer. There will be significant travel involved as well as work on weekends and at other times as assigned. Guidelines The youth activities internship requires excellent written and oral communication skills, as one will be expected to write letters, e-mail correspondence, answer phone calls and communicate on a daily basis with junior exhibitors, parents and state association leadership. Experience and familiarity with conducting shows is a plus, however, applicant must feel comfortable at shows and have basic knowledge of how a show operates. Event, photography and writing experience is an added bonus. Ability to react independently. Applicant must be able to help the youth department in various capacities with little formal training. Individual must be a self-starter with organization skills to assist with the event planning responsibilities. Time Period The 2026 Summer Internship Program will be from approximately mid-May through mid-August, depending on student’s academic schedule. Compensation Compensation will be determined once intern is selected. Special Consideration The American Hereford Association headquarters is located in Kansas City, Mo., and housing for a two 1/2-month period could be difficult to find. If the applicant does not have accommodations, the youth department will work with him/her on locating sufficient housing. Don’t have the schedule for a full summer internship? College students may apply for the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) ambassador program. The ambassadors will assist the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) board and American Hereford Association staff during a three-week long internship. Ambassadors will arrive in Kansas City prior to the JNHE and will work through the duration of the event, including the wrap-up. Experience Gained All aspects of event planning and execution Pre and post-show correspondence Processing and running show program Contest organization, preparation and execution Working with boards, committees and youth Office and customer service Multitasking Requirements Candidate must be a 2024 high school graduate or older Ambassadors cannot be exhibitors or competitors at the 2024 JNHE Candidate must have national show experience Time Period The 2026 JNHE Ambassador Program will be from June 28 – July 14 approximately. Compensation JNHE Ambassadors are compensated with a scholarship stipend at the conclusion of their mini-internship and are assisted with meal costs during their program. Due to the amount of travel during the time period of the JNHE ambassador program, housing is provided for the ambassador team. #J-18808-Ljbffr Hereford Publications Inc.