Lasting impacts on students participating in intensive campus agricultural project internships

Abstract Experiential learning opportunities within higher education have become increasingly important in preparing students for professional careers. Intensive campus agricultural project (CAP) internships provide students with hands‐on experiences that integrate classroom knowledge with real‐world application, leadership development, and community engagement. This study explores the lasting impacts of participation in intensive CAP internships on former student participants. Using qualitative research methods, data were collected through interviews with former student interns who participated in an immersive internship program at one particular CAP. The findings indicate four major themes that describe how former interns continue to draw on their internship experiences post‐college: a relationship with the local food system, a development of transferable skills, an experience with community that lasts, and a value of service that propels them to engage civically. These findings revealed that participation in intensive CAP internships fostered enduring benefits that extended well beyond graduation. Participants consistently identified increased confidence, communication skills, teamwork, problem‐solving abilities, well‐being, and leadership capacity as significant outcomes of their experiences. Many participants also described how the internships shaped their career trajectories, strengthened professional networks, and cultivated a lasting commitment to service, mentorship, and community‐building within both personal and professional settings. Additionally, the immersive nature of the internship promoted a strong sense of belonging and experiential learning that participants perceived as distinct from traditional classroom instruction. The findings suggest that intensive CAP internships serve as valuable high‐impact educational practices that contribute meaningfully to student development and workforce preparation beyond the agricultural and horticultural skills taught. Hence, CAPs and internships should be sustained and expanded.