The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and around the world. While this national observance runs from September 15 through October 15, USDA’s Office of Partnership and Public Engagement (OPPE) is committed to supporting a 21st century agricultural industry through its Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) National Program year-round. This program works in partnership with HSIs and other public and private entities to provide professional and workforce development opportunities for faculty, staff and students. 

We’re also pleased to provide opportunities for students from migrant and farmworker backgrounds through the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Internship Program. Run in partnership with the National HEP/CAMP Association, this program enables interns to gain hands-on work experience and learn about career opportunities with USDA through paid 10-week internships. 

We’d like to invite you to our virtual Hispanic-Serving Institutions Resource Symposium on September 21, where we’ll share information about various federal funding resources that HSIs can use to partner with USDA. 

I hope you’ll join us in recognizing and celebrating the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community this Hispanic Heritage Month! 

Keep in Touch for Updates on the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program

The application process for USDA’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, which offers financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021, is open through the end of October. Updates on the program are available through a weekly e-newsletter that features information about the program, resources, recent office openings, and local events across the country is shared each week. View a sample newsletter here and sign up here. 

USDA Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers 

The Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers (ACMF) works to ensure that all farmers have equal access to USDA programs. Minutes from the ACMF committee meeting from June 27-29, 2023, in Savannah, GA, will be available later this month on the ACMF website.

Hard Work and Perseverance Pay Off for USDA/1890 National Scholar

California native Floyd D. Harris III knows that perseverance and hard work pay off. A recent graduate of Southern University, an 1890 land-grant university in Louisiana, Harris just started a full-time position as a soil conservationist with Natural Resources Conservation Service in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He credits the USDA and the 1890 National Scholars Program with helping him network and gain exposure to different USDA programs.

USDA Agricultural Research Service announces 1890 Faculty Research Sabbatical Awardees

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) announced its 2023 awardees for the 1890 Faculty Research Sabbatical Program and is now accepting applications for the 2024 program. Those interested in applying for the 2024 program should email 1890frsp@usda.gov no later than March 1, 2024, and visit the ARS website for more information.

OPPE to Host Virtual Hispanic-Serving Institutions Federal Resources Symposium

There’s still time to sign up for the virtual Hispanic-Serving Institutions Federal Resources Symposium scheduled on September 21, 2023, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Hear from USDA leaders, program officers and project coordinators about a variety of federal funding resources offered at USDA and other federal agencies that can help institutions expand research development and experiences for faculty and students at HSIs nationwide – a including grants, partnerships and other collaborations at various USDA agencies.

Virtual Information Session in Spanish

On October 10, OPPE's Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program will host a virtual information session in Spanish to share information about educational, professional development, and career opportunities at USDA available to students. 

Meet Cristal Castillo, a 2023 USDA HEP/CAMP Intern

Cristal is one of eight students selected for an internship with USDA’s 2023 High School Equivalency Program (HEP)/College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). The United States Department of Agriculture runs this program in partnership with the National HEP/CAMP Association. This summer, USDA hosted students from migrant and farmworker backgrounds in paid, 10-week internships designed to help students gain work experience and learn about career opportunities with USDA.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Interns Gain Real World Experience with USDA

This past summer, 64 students who were selected for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Internship Program gained hands-on experience at USDA agencies and offices across the United States. The TMCF Internship Program is one of many that enable USDA to recruit a diverse workforce while helping students gain the valuable knowledge and skills needed for employment with one of USDA’s agencies and offices.

2501 Symposium Coming Soon

For organizations that work with underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers, we invite you to register for the two-day Partnership Symposium scheduled for September 27-28 in Austin, Texas. Register today to learn about USDA programs and and share best practices. 

Find out how an earlier 2501 grant is helping Alaskan communities grow their own fresh food sustainably.

Veteran Finds New Mission Through DOD SkillBridge and USDA’s MVAL Assistance

The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, but the USDA Military Veteran Agricultural Liaison (MVAL) offers assistance to veterans that can lead to permanent employment or help in starting an agriculture-related business.

Find out how retired Army Major Gloria Cirulli found her new mission serving her country as a regional hiring coordinator with the U.S. Forest Service by working with the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program and USDA MVAL.

Lindsey Abentroth

New OPPE Youth Coordinator Lindsey Abentroth, grew up on a small family farm in western Norman County, Minnesota where her family raised soy and edible beans, wheat, barley, corn and sunflowers, raised some pigs and sheep, and showed quarter horses. She earned her B.S. in Mass Communications and Animal Science from North Dakota State University and previously worked as with USDA’s Farm Service Agency as a farm loan program technician, as an outreach and public affairs specialist, and as a North Dakota Beginning and Rancher Coordinator. She completed a detail with the Farmers.gov team this past winter and was featured in Ask the Expert: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Q&A.

National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968, as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Finally, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 9, falls within this 30-day period as well.

Find more information about National Hispanic Month here.