LINK Internship Placements to Explore
Finding a great internship is an individualized process, and the most successful placements match the right student with the right mentor in the right place. It all starts with considering a wide range of possibilities. Below, you will find a list of local businesses and organizations to explore as you begin your LINK journey.
Another great resource is Southwest Connect's Internship Initiative, where local businesses and organizations post internship opportunities as they become available.
Have a great idea for an internship placement for AHS students? Please email [email protected] and we'll add it to our list!
These businesses and organizations were all willing to host an AHS intern in the 2013-14 school year.
The following is a list of businesses and organizations to explore. They are likely to be open to taking an intern in March 2015, but you'll need to confirm with them!
Agriculture/Food
Turtle Lake Refuge www.turtlelakerefuge.org
East by Southwest/Golden Triangle www.eastbysouthwest.com
The Garden Project www.thegardenprojectswcolorado.org
Durango Joe’s www.durangojoes.com
Desert Sun Coffee Roasters www.desertsuncofee.com
Animals
Durango Humane Society www.lpchumanesociety.org
Weaselskin Equestrian Center www.weaselskinfarmeqctr.com
Wolfwood www.wolfwoodrefuge.org
Bear Smart www.bearsmartdurango.org
Annie's Orphans www.anniesk9orphans.org
Art (performing arts, photography, graphic design, music)
FLC Community Concert Hall www.durangoconcerts.com
Durango Arts Center www.durangoarts.org
IlluminArts Studio www.illuminartsphoto.com
Allison Ragsdale Photography www.allisonragsdalephotography.com
Open Shutter Gallery www.openshuttergallery.com
Merely Players Theater www.merelyplayers.us
Music in the Mountains www.musicinthemountains.com
Studio & anddurango.com
Cabbage Creative www.cabbagestudio.com
Independent Artists Management www.iamgrassrootsmusic.com
Automotive
Morehart Murphy Auto Center www.morehartmurphyautocenter.com
Business
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: marketing www.rmcf.com
La Plata Economic Development Alliance www.yeslpc.com
LPL Financial www.lpl.com
Education
Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County www.bgclaplata.org
Animas Museum & La Plata Historical Society www.animasmuseum.org
Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum www.succm.org
Durango Education Center www.durangoedcenter.org
Durango Early Learning Center www.durangoearlylearning.com
Children's House of Durango www.childrenshouseofdurango.com
Durango Public Library www.durangopubliclibrary.org
Stillwater Foundation www.stillwaterfoundation.org
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado www.bbig.org
Engineering/Science
Goff Engineering. More Info at www.goffengineering.com.
Trautner Geotech Engineering www.trautnergeotech.com
Durango Discovery Museum www.durangodiscovery.org
StoneAge Waterblast Tools www.stoneagetools.com
Environmental/Wildlife/Nature
4CORE www.fourcore.org
Southwest Conservation Corps. www.sccorps.org
Durango Nature Studies www.durangonaturestudies.org
San Juan Citizens Alliance www.sanjuancitizens.org
Mountain Studies Institute www.mountainstudies.org
Fort Lewis College Environmental Center www.fortlewis.edu/environmentalcenter
Trails2000 www.trails2000.org
Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado sustainableswcolorado.org
Health Care/Medical
San Juan Hand Therapy www.sanjuanhandtherapy.com
Durango Fire and Rescue www.durangofirerescue.org
Durango Orthopedics www.durangoorthopedics.com
San Juan Basin Health Department sjbd.org
Hospitality/Tourism
The Doubletree Hotel www.doubletree.hilton.com/durango
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad www.durangotrain.com
Durango Mountain Resort www.durangomountainresort.com
Durango Area Tourism Office www.durango.org
Human Services
Manna Soup Kitchen www.mannasoupkitchen.org
RH Crossland Foundation/Museum www.rhcfoundation.org
Sexual Assault Service Organization www.durangosaso.org
Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County www.habitatlaplata.org
La Plata Family Centers Coalition www.lpfcc.org
Women's Resource Center www.wrcdurango.org
International
Loop Abroad www.loopabroad.com
Law/Government
Durango Police Department (must be 18 years old by internship) www.durangogov.org/police
Sixth Judicial District, Martha Minot, County Court Judge
City of Durango www.durangogov.org
Media (film, television, radio, journalism)
City Span 10 www.durango.gov.org
American General Media www.americangeneralmedia.com
KSUT www.ksut.org
KDUR www.kdur.org
Four Corners Broadcasting www.radiodurango.com
The Durango Telegraph www.durangotelegraph.com
Arts Perspective magazine www.artsperspective.com
Durango Herald www.durangoherald.com
Sports
Adaptive Sports Association of Durango www.asadurango.com
Technology
Soundtraxx www.soundtraxx.com.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: IT www.rmcf.com
Brainstorm Internet www.gobrainstorm.net
Finding a great internship is an individualized process, and the most successful placements match the right student with the right mentor in the right place. It all starts with considering a wide range of possibilities. Below, you will find a list of local businesses and organizations to explore as you begin your LINK journey.
Another great resource is Southwest Connect's Internship Initiative, where local businesses and organizations post internship opportunities as they become available.
Have a great idea for an internship placement for AHS students? Please email [email protected] and we'll add it to our list!
These businesses and organizations were all willing to host an AHS intern in the 2013-14 school year.
- Cabbage Creative--get hands-on experience in graphic design with this full-service design company. Ideal intern would have experience with Adobe Illustrator and PhotoShop and would be interested in learning more about marketing and design. Projects might include creating a logo, brochure and other materials for a group or program you work with (LINK?). (Could be combined with internship at Studio &). Contact Tim Kapustka.
- Chimera Communications, Inc--this four-person branding and marketing firm does it all, from webpage design to print ads, video production to press releases. An amazing opportunity for a student with strong communication skills, a good sense of humor, flexibility and a desire to learn more about public relations and marketing. Clients include Animas High School, and there may be an opportunity to play a key role in designing our school's marketing plan! Contact CEO and Creative Director Nancy Brockman.
- Los Companeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center--have a passion for human rights? Assist in the work of achieving just and humane policies for immigrants in Colorado and across the nation. Companeros works to abolish anti-immigrant legislation that often targets Latinos and other ethnic minorities. Some Spanish language skill helpful; commitment to justice required. Work might include researching bills in session and educating the community. Contact Nicole Mosher.
- Dance in the Rockies--running a dance studio that hosts 60+ classes a week and houses competitive dance teams takes lots of organization and business savvy, in addition to great talent. Interning here would provide a serious dancer with a behind-the-scenes look at making a career of dance. There may be opportunities to help with teaching in addition to administrative duties, marketing, event planning, etc. Contact Dance in the Rockies owner/director Anne Gillis.
- The Durango Discovery Museum--for a student with a strong interest in science and working with kids; the museum could use help planning their Steampunk Stomp fundraising party, which takes place in April! Past interns have developed curriculum, worked with the 3D printer and created costumes for exhibits (can take up to 3 interns). Contact Ashley Hein.
- Durango Early Learning Center--hands-on experience working in a supportive, enriching preschool setting with three-year-olds. Help develop lessons, assist with teaching and learn the administrative side of running a small school. Contact Lesley Lach or Becca Trefrey.
- Durango Nature Studies--for students with a love of the outdoors who want to help kids learn through environmental education programs. Work might include helping with hands-on natural science afterschool programs at local elementary schools, developing lessons and assisting with marketing, fundraising and other nonprofit administrative duties. Contact Executive Director Sally Shuffield.
- The Durango Telegraph--get hands-on experience working with our local weekly independent newspaper. Write a story from start to finish and see it published! Contact Missy Votel.
- Fusion Interiors--opportunity to work alongside a busy local interior designer whose work is design and furnishings with a sustainable focus. Help with marketing and administrative duties of running a small business, as well as going on site visits and all aspects of the design process. Lots of variety, because every day is different! Contact Sarah Sumner.
- Independent Artists Management (iAM)--a great opportunity for a musically-inclined student who wants to learn more about the business side of being a working musician. Work could include booking bands, contacting radio stations and helping promote local musicians, as well as assisting with concerts and helping with lessons for young aspiring musicians. Contact Jesse Ogle.
- Inside Durango TV/FastForward Media--interested in video production? This is the internship for you! Inside Durango TV is Durango’s original local TV program, and now its premiere website for fun, local content. They have been making videos and advertising local businesses since 1983. FastForward Media produces media projects for their clients in full HD using top-of-the-line cameras, sound, lighting and post-production software. Contact Matt Crossett.
- La Plata County Family Centers Coalition--perfect for a student with a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others, working with the LPCFCC would give an intern a wide range of choices in terms of programs and projects they could take on, including: working directly with preschoolers and/or elementary kids, helping organize food or clothing drives and helping with the daily operations of this very important community resource that supports families in need. Contact Executive Director Roseann McDermott.
- La Plata County Humane Society--interning here will give the student who loves dogs and cats plenty of hands-on experience working the kennel and cattery, but also helping with marketing, fundraising and events. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Keith Dunning (who also happens to be married to Colleen Dunning!).
- Open Shutter Gallery--for a student with a passion for photography and an interest in learning the inner workings of a small business. Work would include contacting artists, helping with the day-to-day operation of the downtown gallery, hanging shows and more. Contact gallery owner Margy Dudley.
- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory--this delicious local company has two internships available: one in IT and one in Social Media and Marketing. Great opportunity to learn more about how a successful public company has grown over time. Contact Libby for more information.
- Southwestern Colorado Area Health Education Center--great opportunity for a student interested in learning more about how a small nonprofit works and what career choices are available within the field of health care. Work could include organizing a summer program for students entering grades 8-10 who are interested in medicine. Great opportunity to get a broad understanding of health care issues in our rural region! Contact Executive Director Kathleen McInnis.
- Spine Colorado--interning at this regional center for the treatment of back and neck problems would afford a student with a strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine the opportunity to learn from the physicians, physician assistants and nurses who work there. This is an internship for a highly mature, dedicated student. For more information, talk to Zoë.
- StoneAge Waterblast Tools--fantastic placement for a self-starter interested in pursuing engineering with this local company. Internship would give the student an opportunity to see all facets of the company's work, from design through manufacturing. Contact Betsy Fitzpatrick.
- Studio &--perfect for a student artist who wants to diversify his or her experience, learn about running an innovative shared studio.gallery space in downtown Durango and get hands-on experience creating art alongside five working artists whose media include painting, illustration, sculpture, photography and more. (Could be combined with an internship in graphic design with Cabbage Creative). Must like working with the public! Contact Tim Kapustka.
- Trails2000--an intern with this local nonprofit, which connects folks to the outdoors through our amazing trails, could help update the group's database through use of GPS out on the trails (weather permitting), as well as assisting with other administrative duties. The ideal candidate would love trails, be physically fit to hike/run/ride the trails for assessments, be highly organized and have great ideas. Contact Executive Director Mary Monroe.
- Weaselskin Equestrian Center and Weaselskin Institute--perfect for the student with experience working with horses, Weaselskin offers educational programming and horse training on their beautiful ranch. Work at this for-profit business and new nonprofit might include helping with grant writing, working on the conservancy process and learning about the ins and outs of business management. Contact Jennifer Thurston.
- Women's Resource Center--this local nonprofit advocates for the personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of women and families in La Plata County. The internship takes place during Women's History Month, and the intern would help with a variety of events WRC hosts for the community at Fort Lewis College. Other work might include preparing for the Women to Girls, Girls to Women conference, which prepares all 8th grade girls for high school and beyond. Finally, the intern can assist with the Educational Opportunity Fund, which provides a $1000 scholarship for a woman in the community every month to help her further her education and increase her self-sufficiency. Contact Executive Director Liz Mora.
The following is a list of businesses and organizations to explore. They are likely to be open to taking an intern in March 2015, but you'll need to confirm with them!
Agriculture/Food
Turtle Lake Refuge www.turtlelakerefuge.org
East by Southwest/Golden Triangle www.eastbysouthwest.com
The Garden Project www.thegardenprojectswcolorado.org
Durango Joe’s www.durangojoes.com
Desert Sun Coffee Roasters www.desertsuncofee.com
Animals
Durango Humane Society www.lpchumanesociety.org
Weaselskin Equestrian Center www.weaselskinfarmeqctr.com
Wolfwood www.wolfwoodrefuge.org
Bear Smart www.bearsmartdurango.org
Annie's Orphans www.anniesk9orphans.org
Art (performing arts, photography, graphic design, music)
FLC Community Concert Hall www.durangoconcerts.com
Durango Arts Center www.durangoarts.org
IlluminArts Studio www.illuminartsphoto.com
Allison Ragsdale Photography www.allisonragsdalephotography.com
Open Shutter Gallery www.openshuttergallery.com
Merely Players Theater www.merelyplayers.us
Music in the Mountains www.musicinthemountains.com
Studio & anddurango.com
Cabbage Creative www.cabbagestudio.com
Independent Artists Management www.iamgrassrootsmusic.com
Automotive
Morehart Murphy Auto Center www.morehartmurphyautocenter.com
Business
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: marketing www.rmcf.com
La Plata Economic Development Alliance www.yeslpc.com
LPL Financial www.lpl.com
Education
Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County www.bgclaplata.org
Animas Museum & La Plata Historical Society www.animasmuseum.org
Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum www.succm.org
Durango Education Center www.durangoedcenter.org
Durango Early Learning Center www.durangoearlylearning.com
Children's House of Durango www.childrenshouseofdurango.com
Durango Public Library www.durangopubliclibrary.org
Stillwater Foundation www.stillwaterfoundation.org
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado www.bbig.org
Engineering/Science
Goff Engineering. More Info at www.goffengineering.com.
Trautner Geotech Engineering www.trautnergeotech.com
Durango Discovery Museum www.durangodiscovery.org
StoneAge Waterblast Tools www.stoneagetools.com
Environmental/Wildlife/Nature
4CORE www.fourcore.org
Southwest Conservation Corps. www.sccorps.org
Durango Nature Studies www.durangonaturestudies.org
San Juan Citizens Alliance www.sanjuancitizens.org
Mountain Studies Institute www.mountainstudies.org
Fort Lewis College Environmental Center www.fortlewis.edu/environmentalcenter
Trails2000 www.trails2000.org
Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado sustainableswcolorado.org
Health Care/Medical
San Juan Hand Therapy www.sanjuanhandtherapy.com
Durango Fire and Rescue www.durangofirerescue.org
Durango Orthopedics www.durangoorthopedics.com
San Juan Basin Health Department sjbd.org
Hospitality/Tourism
The Doubletree Hotel www.doubletree.hilton.com/durango
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad www.durangotrain.com
Durango Mountain Resort www.durangomountainresort.com
Durango Area Tourism Office www.durango.org
Human Services
Manna Soup Kitchen www.mannasoupkitchen.org
RH Crossland Foundation/Museum www.rhcfoundation.org
Sexual Assault Service Organization www.durangosaso.org
Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County www.habitatlaplata.org
La Plata Family Centers Coalition www.lpfcc.org
Women's Resource Center www.wrcdurango.org
International
Loop Abroad www.loopabroad.com
Law/Government
Durango Police Department (must be 18 years old by internship) www.durangogov.org/police
Sixth Judicial District, Martha Minot, County Court Judge
City of Durango www.durangogov.org
Media (film, television, radio, journalism)
City Span 10 www.durango.gov.org
American General Media www.americangeneralmedia.com
KSUT www.ksut.org
KDUR www.kdur.org
Four Corners Broadcasting www.radiodurango.com
The Durango Telegraph www.durangotelegraph.com
Arts Perspective magazine www.artsperspective.com
Durango Herald www.durangoherald.com
Sports
Adaptive Sports Association of Durango www.asadurango.com
Technology
Soundtraxx www.soundtraxx.com.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: IT www.rmcf.com
Brainstorm Internet www.gobrainstorm.net