For questions and answers, please check the following page:
| Question: |
How would my institution benefit from my participation? |
| Answer: |
Fellows will increase their understanding of USDA and other federal agencies, particularly at the national level, and be able to identify
mutual collaborative interests to build and complement USDA
programs. USDA staff will become more knowledgeable about the
participating institutions in order to develop thorough collaborative
approaches to provide appropriate support to HSIs.
As a result, fellows, HSIs, USDA, and other federal agencies will
create a strong partnership that is connected and flexible in its
response to Hispanic students and their community needs.
Participating fellows are expected to return to their respective
institutions and share networking information with colleagues,
students, and other interested individuals. |
| Question: |
I am not from an agriculture school or agricultural division; will I have something to contribute to the group from my discipline? |
| Answer: |
Definitely! USDA recruits students from a variety of academic
backgrounds. |
| Question: |
If I have technical questions, who should I contact? |
| Answer: |
For technical questions, contact our office at: 202-720-6506 or via email to Wenndy Carrasco, MPA., Program Specialist at wenndy.carrasco@ars.usda.gov. |
| Question: |
Do you have any guidelines on what you are looking for on the
essay? |
| Answer: |
Yes, there is a standard guideline for the essay. Write a 500-800 word essay describing your interest in USDA and how you envision the fellowship will impact you, your university's program and your work with your institution's / community's Hispanic population. Also describe how you plan to share information acquired during your fellowship with colleagues, students and other interested individuals. |
| Question: |
Where do the Fellows stay in Washington, D.C.? |
| Answer: |
The fellows are house in a hotel closer to the USDA site in Washington, DC. In their field areas, USDA-HSI-NP will arrange housing. |
| Question: |
How many Fellows will be attending? |
| Answer: |
On average approximately 15 to 20 fellows. |
| Question: |
Are there any citizenship requirements for Fellows? |
| Answer: |
Yes, candidates must be U.S. Citizens to participate in the program. |
| Question: |
For faculty who are on a nine month contract, is the institution required providing compensation for the time spent representing the institution at the Fellowship even if the program falls during "off" periods? |
| Answer: |
USDA will furnish travel and per diem expenses (for lodging, meals, and incidentals), and daily commuting costs. The sending institution will continue to pay salary and benefits. |
| Question: |
Can Fellows request specific federal agencies to meet with during
their time in Washington, DC? |
| Answer: |
Yes, Fellows can request to meet specific key officials ahead of time or they can set up their own meeting at their own time without conflicting with their fellowship schedule. |
| Question: |
Can Fellows bring family members with them to Washington? |
| Answer: |
Yes, but the cost for housing and transportation would not be cover by USDA. |
| Question: |
What responsibilities does the Fellow assume at the end of the orientation and what are the expectations for them upon returning
to their campus? |
| Answer: |
Fellows will increase their understanding of USDA and other federal agencies, particularly at the national level, and be able to identify
mutual collaborative interests to build and complement USDA
programs. USDA staff will become more knowledgeable about the
participating institutions in order to develop thorough collaborative
approaches to provide appropriate support to HSIs.
As a result, fellows, HSIs, USDA, and other federal agencies will
create a strong partnership that is connected and flexible in its
response to Hispanic students and their community needs.
Participating fellows are expected to return to their respective
institutions and share networking information with colleagues,
students, and other interested individuals. |
| Question: |
Is there formal reporting required for Fellows to document how they
are putting the information to use? If so, how often? |
| Answer: |
Yes, Fellows will submit the following:
 A biweekly report to their supervisor, their school key contact
officials, USDA Field Liaisons and a copy to USDA-HSI-NP
office via fax at 202-720-5336, and
An Assessment Form at the end of their program via email at
wenndy.carrasco@ars.usda.gov or via fax at 202-720-5336. |
| Question: |
What is appropriate attire to wear during the course of the
orientation and program activities? |
| Answer: |
During the orientation and some activities, Fellows are required to
wear business attire. For the field trips, Fellows are suggested to
dress casual with comfortable shoes. |
| Question: |
How is travel arranged for the Fellowship? |
| Answer: |
USDA will furnish travel and per diem expenses (for lodging, meals,
and incidentals), and daily commuting costs. The sending institution
will continue to pay salary and benefits. |
| Question: |
Do you have to be Hispanic to participate in the program? |
| Answer: |
No, any individual can participate in the fellowship program,
regardless of race, age, sexual orientation or disability. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its
programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin,
age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial
status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic
information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an
individual's income is derived from any public assistance. |
Contact:
Wenndy Carrasco, MPA.
Program Specialist
Phone: (202) 720-6506
E-mail: wenndy.carrasco@ars.usda.gov
|
