Internships
About Our Internships
Something for Everyone
Typically, intern candidates are enrolled in a degree program at a college or university and the internship is designed to fulfill coursework requirements. Because of the professionalism and diversity of our staff and services, we are able to meet the needs of students with a wide range of interests. Some recent examples of areas of study include: Animal Science, Child Development, Non-profit and Social Work, Occupational & Physical Therapy Field Work, Recreational Therapy Field Work. Internship opportunities are also available in these and similar areas for those looking for on-the-job training not necessarily associated with a degree program.
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Current Interns
Brynn Steevels
Brynn Steevels is a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Communications, with academic experience spanning interpersonal communication, advertising, and persuasion. As an intern at High Hopes, Brynn supports recruitment campaigns, marketing initiatives, and creative projects, including promotion of the annual Summer Soirée Gala. She enjoys collaborating with the communications team to bring fresh ideas to life while gaining hands-on experience in a mission-driven environment.
With a strong passion for graphic design and storytelling, Brynn is drawn to marketing and communications as a way to connect people to meaningful causes. She has developed skills in digital marketing, content creation, and strategic communication throughout her college career. A lifelong horse lover, Brynn feels deeply connected to High Hopes’ mission and the organization’s commitment to serving individuals with disabilities through equine-assisted services.
Brynn is excited to learn from the High Hopes community—getting to know the horses, staff, participants, volunteers, and supporters who make the organization so special. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in communications for mission-driven organizations and is grateful for the opportunity to grow toward that goal through her internship at High Hopes.
Kinds of Internships
Child/Adolescent Development
Interns will assist in High Hopes inclusive programs working with staff to coordinate and manage mounted and unmounted activities as well as provide volunteer support. Curriculum will be age/cognitively appropriate and geared toward specific individual and group goals.
Education
Working closely with High Hopes staff, interns will create new and update past unmounted curriculum for High Hopes programs include: specialty programs, integrated summer programs, volunteer educational opportunities, and distance learning. Interns will organize and update educational resources for participants, volunteers and training/education. Interns will explore a wide range of management techniques in a dynamic human resources environment. Interns may have projects in the areas of recruitment, volunteer training & education, statistical analysis, research, and communication.
Equine and Farm Management and Therapy Horse Selection
Opportunities to learn hands-on skills relating to equine management including daily care, health care and first aid, feeding practices and handling. Also learn farm management techniques including manure handling and effective pasture utilization. Interns may have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the processes High Hopes’ follows to select members of our herd of therapy horses.
Volunteer Management
Interns will explore a wide range of management techniques in a dynamic human resources environment. Interns may have projects in the areas of recruitment, volunteer training & education, statistical analysis, research, and communication.
Therapeutic Riding Instruction
Interns will gain a valuable perspective on the role of the therapeutic riding instructor through observation and mentorship. Learn how to write individual and group goals, evaluate participant progress, and create lesson plans. Understand the why’s behind risk management procedures, PATH Intl. standards, and precautions and contraindications.
Fundraising/Development/ Non-Profit Business Management
Interns will gain exposure to different methods of development in the non-profit sector including annual fund drive, planned giving, special events, grant writing, corporate campaigns. Gain an understanding of database management, finance, development, program operation, and strategic planning.
Office Management and Non-Profit Business Administration
Interns will experience the broad needs of office management in a busy non-profit environment by providing administrative support in contact maintenance, database management, library and sales inventories, special events, program operations and inquiry support across multiple departments, as well as more general tasks, such as managing busy telephone coverage while assisting participants and guests.
Research Methods and Design
Interns will discuss and assist staff members in creating methods of research and collecting significant data on the benefits of therapeutic riding and equine assisted activities.
Committed to providing education and training
High Hopes offers a variety of internships as part of its commitment to providing education and training for individuals interested in working in the field of Therapeutic Riding.
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The people who come to High Hopes represent all ages & backgrounds.The majority of our participants are between the ages of 3 and 14, some are in their 70’s. Most participants have varying degrees of cognitive, physical, behavioral, psychological or sensory disabilities.
About UsBecome Qualified with High Hopes Therapeutic Riding
The field of therapeutic riding offers rewarding career opportunities combining elements of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, education, psychology and child development with horsemanship teaching skills.
Professional CertificationsSharing the Power of Equine Assisted Services
High Hopes offers lectures and workshops on topics related to equine assisted services including disabilities, equine care, effective instruction and non-profit administration. Learn more.
Training & EducationGain Confidence in Working with a Horse
The Equine Learning Program curriculum is designed on an individual basis to accommodate each student’s needs and goals. The Equine Learning Program is an excellent way for individuals to develop confidence and become comfortable working with horses.
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