Intern Foundry-Kearney, a collaboration between the Foundry and the University of Nebraska-Kearney Honors Program, addresses Nebraska's "brain drain" by pairing high-achieving students with quality work-based learning opportunities in critical community areas. It fosters a talent pipeline for future leaders and volunteers by connecting students with nonprofits, public sector organizations, and purpose-driven businesses in Kearney.
Spring 2026 Internship Project Opportunities
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Buffalo County Community Partners
Project Title: Childcare Partnership Project Manager Intern
Buffalo County Community Partners exists to build connections that strengthen community well-being. One of the greatest challenges to that well-being today is access to affordable, high-quality childcare — a challenge that impacts children’s development, parents’ ability to work, and businesses’ ability to recruit and retain employees. The Business Childcare Partnership is a powerful example of our mission in action. Childcare providers bring expertise in nurturing children, while businesses bring investment and vision for a stronger workforce. Together, they are creating solutions where employer contributions generate real returns in employee recruitment, retention, and productivity. As the Childcare Partnership Project Manager Intern, you will help coordinate committees that are advancing this work — from streamlining scholarship processes and building provider-business supports to tracking key childcare data and communicating progress. You will also serve as a bridge between committees and the larger business-childcare partnership team, ensuring alignment as the structure formalizes. By semester’s end, you will compile this work into a sustainability toolkit or manual to guide future leaders or inform the creation of a permanent role.
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Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails & Rails Museum
Project Title: Grant Research and Writing Internship
The Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails & Rails Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Buffalo County through meaningful exhibits and community engagement. This internship offers a unique opportunity for a motivated student to contribute directly to our organization’s sustainability and growth by developing a comprehensive grant calendar and assisting with grant writing. The intern will research potential funding opportunities, track deadlines and requirements, and help draft compelling narratives and project descriptions for grant applications. This role is vital to supporting our mission to enrich the local community’s connection to history through expanded programming and resources, making a tangible impact on cultural preservation in Central Nebraska.
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Development Council for Buffalo County
Project Title: Kearney Housing Growth Initiative (KHGI): Identifying and Advancing Workforce Housing
SolutionsKearney is facing a workforce housing shortage that threatens talent retention and economic growth. Through the Kearney Housing Growth Initiative, the Economic Development Council of Buffalo County is leading a collaborative effort to address this challenge—and the selected intern will help shape data-driven strategies to guide future development. This internship offers hands-on experience in community development and policy, with real impact on housing accessibility for Central Nebraska’s essential workers and families. The intern selected for this project will have a unique opportunity to engage directly with a wide range of community leaders and professionals involved in housing planning and development. In addition to working closely with the Economic Development Council of Buffalo County (EDC) staff, the intern will collaborate with:
• City of Kearney staff, elected officials, and appointed volunteers involved in housing policy and infrastructure planning
• Miller & Associates, a local planning and engineering firm providing technical support and facilitation
• Stakeholder group representatives, including experienced realtors, developers, and builders who are shaping the future of housing in Kearney -
Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation
Project Title: Events and Communication Project Intern
This project aims to expand the Foundation's fundraising efforts by planning and implementing an event that effectively utilizes social media and marketing tools for promotion. Concurrently, the project involves collaborating with Directors to develop and coordinate a marketing campaign designed to increase awareness and foster consistent support. Additionally, it will involve collaborative work with Human Resources to develop end-of-year communications, encompassing both written and video formats, related to MyVoice Survey action planning and growth. Finally, the project will focus on developing employee engagement initiatives to encourage participation in the FY25 end-of-year engagement survey.
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Kearney Regional Medical Center
Project Title: TBD
Project Description: TBD
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Nebraska Prairie Museum (Phelps County Historical Society)
Project Title: Summer Tourism Digital Marketing Project
The Nebraska Prairie Museum is seeking a creative, motivated intern to help strengthen its summer tourism marketing strategy. During the Spring 2026 semester, the intern will develop digital materials, social media campaigns, and storytelling content that highlight the museum as a must-visit destination during the upcoming Summer 2026 season.
This project directly supports the museum’s mission to preserve and interpret the stories of Central Nebraska by inviting travelers, families, and community members to experience its exhibits and events. The intern’s work will help grow the museum’s visitor base, increase regional awareness, and enhance its connection to local tourism efforts.
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Sandhills Oral and Facial Surgery
Project Title: Clinical Intern
The Clinical Intern position offers hands-on experience in an oral surgery practice, providing valuable exposure to patient care, clinical operations, and the sterilization process. The Clinical Intern will assist the surgical and nursing team while learning best practices in oral surgery and patient safety.
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Team Concepts
Project Title: Building a Culture of Growth Through Media and Program Innovation
Team Concepts is a leadership and culture development company dedicated to creating life-giving, inspiring workplaces where people thrive. The selected intern will play a vital role in advancing Team Concepts’ digital strategy by helping design new training programs, develop multimedia content, and enhance the company’s online presence.
This internship provides an immersive experience in organizational culture, leadership education, and digital storytelling, with opportunities to contribute creatively to a rapidly growing brand that serves leaders, teams, and communities nationwide. The intern will gain real-world experience in content creation, project design, and brand management, while working alongside experienced leaders passionate about faith-driven leadership and business excellence.
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United Way-Kearney
Project Title: Community Resource Development Intern
United Way of the Kearney Area is undergoing a strategic shift in its impact work within the community. You have the incredible opportunity to be a part of connecting people to resources when you join as the Community Resource Development Intern. This position will build capacity for United Way through the development of vital programming that strengthens support for individuals and families in need. These identified programs include One Call and Circles. During your internship, you will be responsible for outlining the details of the programs for implementation and then identifying and applying for funding.
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Visit Kearney
Project Title: Website Development & Content Internship
The intern will assist with the maintenance and development of VisitKearney.org, with a focus on strengthening the site’s value to meetings/convention planners, sports tourism organizers, and group tour operators. This project will enhance the online presence of Kearney’s venues, attractions, and services while ensuring accessibility and user-friendliness.