The IF is a 501(c)(3) organization established by the Irrigation Association, which focuses on three strategic initiatives: career awareness, education and resources.

In support of the irrigation industry the Irrigation Foundation has partnered with Andy's Sprinkler and Drainage (Carrollton, Texas), and Heads Up Landscape Contractors (Albuquerque, New Mexico) to subsidize the cost of housing for six irrigation interns, who will gain hands-on industry experience this summer.

During their 12-week internship, students will work directly with irrigation technicians to repair, install and maintain irrigation landscape systems. Both companies have established internship programs that have been in place for over five years, from which they often recruit new hires.

The Foundation plans to use this pilot program to learn more about existing internship programs and determine how it can help bridge the gap between higher learning and employment.

Students from Mississippi State University (Starkville, Mississippi), Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, Oklahoma), Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas) and University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, Arkansas) will benefit from the internship support program.

The following students were selected for the pilot internship program:

Dusty Hayes, Oklahoma State University (Andy's)
Sheldon Shelly, Texas A&M University (Andy's)
Robert MacInnis, Mississippi State University (Andy's)
Brooks Creech, University of Arkansas (Andy's)
Will Stockton, Mississippi State University (Andy's)
Tyler Maly, Oklahoma State University (Heads Up)

For more information about the IF, please visit irrigation.org.

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