Learning through service: Psychology students intern at Churches United

At Minnesota State Moorhead, psychology students apply their knowledge in internships that translate into human impact. Through a growing partnership between Moorhead’s Psychology Department and Churches United, students turn classroom lessons into meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them for life after graduation.

BA in Psychology

Dr. Heather Siek, assistant professor of psychology, initiated the partnership after seeing student interest in community-based internships. “Students gain skills working with high-risk populations, learning about the social programs that Churches United offers and gaining confidence in their ability as a student,” Dr. Siek says.

Churches United is a nonprofit organization that provides services for those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Their mission is to offer safe shelter, stable housing, nutritious food, and a path toward healing.

Left to Right: Dr. Heather Siek, Kim Harb, Ashlyn Hintz and Shelley Brooks

Kim Harb, a psychology student and the first intern who benefited from the partnership, found her experience transformational and enrichening. As an intern advocate, Kim gained knowledge about human behavior and how to approach people in need while showing empathy and connecting them with resources.

Her duties included shadowing caseworkers and services coordinators, helping in the food pantry, sorting donations, working at the front desk, and assisting where the organization most needed help.

“This internship prepared me to work with people in a compassionate and professional way. Whether in ministry, counseling, or community work, I feel ready to serve others,” Kim says.

This semester, Ashlyn Hintz, majoring in psychology and minoring in neuroscience, is the shelter advocate for Micah’s Mission at Churches United. For her, the experience has been equally transformative. “Being able to help people and break the stigma around the homeless population has been eye-opening,” Ashlyn says.

At the center of this partnership is Shelley Brooks, shelter director of Micah’s Mission. She oversees daily operations at the shelter, which provides safe housing, food, and support to hundreds of individuals and families in need. Shelley recognizes the energy that Moorhead students infuse into her team.

“The interns are ready to come to work each day with bright, smiling faces,” Shelley says. “It’s exciting to hear what suggestions and new ideas the interns bring to help support our mission.”

This partnership exemplifies the mission of Moorhead's psychology program — to combine academic excellence with real-world experience.

“MSUM’s psychology program is unique because it emphasizes real–world applications. Professors challenge us to connect theory to practice and think about how we can serve others with what we learn,” Kim says.