Background
The program was established in 1998 as part of the USDA-Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Leadership Group's efforts to advance USDA's relationship with participating institutions. The program is designed to enhance fellows' professional growth while fostering workforce diversity and strengthening the nation's capacity to provide high quality education and increased opportunities for Hispanic-Americans. The Fellowship has two types of fellowship:
Types of Fellowships
Education Fellowship
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Education fellows experience first-hand the education policymaking process and build linkages to research and funding opportunities. In addition to meeting with USDA personnel, fellows connect with other federal agencies and organizations such as the Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Education fellows contribute and develop their skills in the following areas: |
Science Fellowship
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Science Fellows collaborate with leading scientists from USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) - one of the world's premier scientific organizations. Participants learn about state-of-the-art agricultural research that solves problems affecting Hispanic Americans and the rest of our nation on a daily basis. Fellows share their expertise with students at their respective institutions – motivating Hispanic students to pursue careers in agriculture, science, research, and technology. Science fellows are selected based on the needs and interests of HSIs and USDA-ARS. Participants attend a one-week mandatory orientation in Washington, D.C., in addition to collaborating with an ARS Research Center within the country. |
Eligibility
Candidates for the fellowship program must be faculty or staff at a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Candidates must be U.S. Citizens to participate in the program.
How to Apply
Interested individuals must apply online to be considered for this fellowship program.
The online application consists of:
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Letter of Reference from your HSI president or officer - Please provide the contact information for an individual at your institution who can attest to your professional abilities (Chair, Department Head, Dean, etc.). This individual should be someone who currently supervises you. |
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Statement of Institutional Support - A statement provided by your Institution's President or HSI Officer stating their commitment to pay salary and benefits during your participation in this program. |
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Resume; Upload a one to two page resume including education and professional accomplishments. |
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Essay - 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. |
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Selection
A review panel will screen applications and recommend candidates in priority order.
Applicants will be selected on the basis of their interests and the needs of sending
institutions and USDA. The fellowship period can vary from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the project.
Important Dates
Support
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.
Expected Outcomes
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.
To begin the online application process, please click here to register.
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