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National Intern Day: Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce

Nifa Authors
Rachel Dotson, Public Affairs Specialist (Social Media)

National Intern Day occurs annually on the last Thursday in July to celebrate and recognize the hard work of interns. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funds the following grants and scholarships opportunities to prepare and financial support the next generation of agriscience workforce.  

1890 Scholarships Program  

NIFA provides scholarship funding to support recruiting, engaging, retaining, mentoring and training undergraduate students at the 1890 Land-grant Universities to pursue degrees in the food and agricultural sciences. Learn more here.  

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development Program  

The AFRI Education and Workforce Development Program focuses on developing the next generation of research, education and Extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences. The program educates professionals to lead agriculture into the future by solving current and future challenges facing our society. Learn more here. 

Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP) 

The Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program provides funding for colleges and universities to support students from diverse backgrounds through scholarships, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities. Learn more here. 

Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Education Grants Program 

The HIS program promotes and strengthens the ability of HSIs to carry out higher education programs to attract, retain and graduate outstanding students capable of enhancing the nation's food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences professional and scientific work force. This grant program aligns students with the support necessary to prepare them for food and agricultural careers. Learn more here.  

National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship Grants Program 

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship Grants Program (NNF) is designated for graduate degree (master's and doctoral) programs and postgraduate training of the next generation of policy makers, researchers and educators in the food and agricultural sciences. Learn more here.  

Federal Internships and Early Career Opportunities  

Most federal agencies offer internships and opportunities for recent graduates through the Pathways Program. The Pathways Program includes internships for students from high school through post-graduate school. Many of these federal internship opportunities can open the door for full-time jobs and serve as an excellent way of entering the federal workforce. Learn more here. 

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