Department of Family and Community Health Sciences Internships

Examples of projects that Honors College students may engage in include but are not limited to: 

• The New Jersey Healthy Communities Network: The New Jersey Healthy Communities Network (NJHCN) is a funding collaborative that supports local non-profits to address critical public health issues. Since its inception, NJHCN has awarded over $3.7 million in grants to more than 40 non-profits, supporting evidence-based initiatives in healthy eating and physical activity such as establishing or enhancing community or school gardens and farmers’ markets, creating or enhancing physical activity opportunities outside of physical education in schools and re-designing streets for walking, riding, and rolling. As the managing backbone of this impactful organization, FCHS will facilitate capacity building and small community grants that focus on four primary areas: 1) Maternal, Paternal, Caregiver, and Child Health, 2) Community Food Systems, 3) Mental Health and Wellness, 4) Healthy Environments and Active Living.
• The Healthy Corner Store Initiative: One of NJCHN’s current projects is the Healthy Corner Store Initiative, which aims to bring healthier food options to our communities, particularly in areas with limited access to nutritious food. The Healthy Corner Store Initiative, spearheaded by the SNAP Education (SNAP-Ed) unit in NJDOH's Division of Family Health Services in collaboration with The Food Trust in New Jersey, responds to food access disparities observed in lower-income communities. The lack of healthy food choices in these neighborhoods hinders residents' ability to maintain a balanced diet as well as significantly impacts their overall well-being and risks of experiencing chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The primary objective of this project is to work directly with the Food Trust to implement and support the Healthy Corner Store Initiative in high-needs communities as identified by the state. This will be accomplished through three strategies: 1) Increase procurement and distribution of healthy foods. 2) Improve access to healthy foods at food pantries and stores. 3) Increase participation in existing nutrition education programs.
• Hope Village Community Impact: This project aims to develop a community garden and offer gardening and nutrition education sessions to Newark Hope Village residents and the surrounding community. 
• Age-Friendly Ocean County: This project aims to assess, plan, and develop local age-friendly initiatives that support the health and well-being of older adults and to advance efforts that result in tangible and sustainable transformation of policies, systems, and environmental conditions. 
• Rutgers SNAP and School Meal Dual Enrollment Project: This project aims to build upon knowledge gained in previous years’ research. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate, will continue and expand experimental activities to promote SNAP and school meals in schools and reduce barriers to enrollment. Up to 16 school districts will be recruited to promote SNAP and school meals for the 2024-2025 school year. Each school will receive $25,000 to promote the programs how they determine is best for their community. Examples of previous ideas will be provided, and schools will be encouraged to update their websites with school meal and SNAP information. The team will engage with schools with varying rates of free and reduced meal participation and demographics to get a broad range of recommendations that can be shared with other districts across the state. 

• Data-Driven Projects
  • Pre-post test data analysis
  • Survey results data analysis
  • Focus groups data analysis
• Research - IRB*
  • eIRB development
  • Consent/Assent Process
  • Research Abstract
  • Research Poster
  • Research Presentation
• Program Planning/Evaluation
  • Create strategic plan
  • Monitor program implementation
  • Review program implementation
  • Evaluate program implementation
• Academic Writing
  • Abstract writing
  • Literature review
• Marketing Plan/Social Media Campaigns
  • Creating new material
  • Revamping or creating program materials 
  • Video Series
  • Infographics

The Department of Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS), a part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, promotes health and wellness through education, research, and collaboration with outreach in food, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. FCHS faculty and staff work in your neighborhood to promote healthy families, schools, and communities. Through leadership, collaborative efforts, research, and science-based education, we foster a culture of health and wellness for New Jersey residents of all ages. Learn More About the Work of FCHS in our Annual Report.