Fall is fast approaching, and students everywhere prepare to return to the classroom. As we embark upon another back-to-school journey, I want to take a moment to highlight the remarkable ways in which USDA supports students across the nation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers multiple scholarship opportunities for students pursuing degrees in agriculture and related fields. In fact, last month we swore in the upcoming class of USDA 1890 National Scholars. One of the stories below highlights this program and links to a list of all this year’s scholars, while another describes the experience of one individual scholar.

USDA also offers various internship opportunities for students at different educational levels. These internships provide hands-on experience in areas such as agriculture, food safety and environmental science. USDA celebrated all interns on National Intern Day on August 25 – check this month’s story further down for links to photos and details or read the story below to learn about the experience of one recent summer intern.

Finally, I want to remind all students at the minority-serving institutions we partner with – and students everywhere – that there is still time to go to college this fall and tap into grant money to help pay for it. For more information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, check out these helpful resources in English and Spanish.

At USDA, we’re eager to invest in the next generation of leaders in agriculture, a generation that we hope will reflect the diversity of the American people. Together, we can sow the seeds of success, cultivating a brighter future for our young learners and future leaders. So let's join forces to unlock the potential within each student and watch them blossom.

Making an Impact: HEP/CAMP Intern Yasmin Miranda-Mandujano 

Yasmin Miranda-Mandujano is one of 16 students chosen for a USDA National HEP/CAMP internship in Washington, D.C. This internship program provides students from farmworker or migrant backgrounds with 10-week paid internships.  “Being able to see firsthand how the USDA affects individuals and families like mine has really impacted my career goals,” she said.

USDA Announces the 2024 Class of USDA 1890 National Scholars

USDA recently announced 91 scholarships awarded through the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, one of the Department’s efforts to develop the next generation of diverse food and agriculture professionals. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between USDA and the 19 historically Black 1890s land-grant universities. 

“The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is an important pathway for careers in agriculture, nutrition, food, development—and at USDA,” said OPPE Director Lisa Ramirez. “USDA is committed to building the next generation of agricultural leaders and to helping students achieve success in their studies and in the workforce.”

1890 Scholar Helps Others Recover from Natural Disasters as Loan Specialist with USDA Rural Development

Dominique Smith just graduated from Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences. She recently accepted a permanent position as a loan specialist with USDA Rural Development and credits her experience in the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program in helping her secure the job. “My experience helped me evolve and know what I really want to do in life,” she said. “I was placed in a job that supports my goals of helping low-income individuals and impoverished communities.”

Veterans’ Spirit of Service Renewed in Their Community

Veterans Tsiltiyah Fogle and her husband Charles Fogle have transitioned from military service to a new mission: serving their community and helping those in need. For nearly two years, they have grown and sold organic vegetables and fruits and raised chickens at Ephrata Farm, just outside Racine, Wisconsin, all with the aim of giving back to the community. “We just want to help people,” said Mrs. Fogel. “Last year, we donated all the produce we picked.”

USDA Celebrates Interns on National Intern Day

USDA puts an emphasis on promoting student engagement, recruitment, retention and development by offering federal internships to current students, recent graduates and those with advanced degrees. USDA honored and celebrated its hardworking interns on July 25, National Intern Day. Interns play a vital role in the workforce and bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and enthusiasm to the dozens of USDA agencies and offices that they support. USDA currently hosts about 10,000 students, volunteers and interns in full-time programs up to a year in length.

Start your career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture

The USDA offers federal internship opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with advanced degrees. We currently have open opportunities with some closing on August 15, 2024. Visit USA Jobs to apply.

Texas Pork Producer Junior Ambassadors visit USDA

The Texas Pork Producers Council recently brought 12 students to visit USDA in Washington, D.C. as part of their Junior Ambassador Leadership Program. With efforts to continue their mission of advancing a sustainable and profitable pork industry, the association’s youth leadership program generates visible youth leaders for their industry and communities. While at USDA, the group learned more about USDA career opportunities and programs that support the pork industry, then brought that information and knowledge back to their state members and producers.

Meet Nicholas Clark

Born and raised in Templeton, California, Nicholas began a military career in 2007 that laid the foundation for his professional journey. As a damage controlman aboard the USS Underwood (FFG-36) stationed in Mayport, Fla., he maintained firefighting equipment and trained fellow shipmates in shipboard firefighting techniques. Following his five years at sea, he transitioned to a leadership role at Fort Meade, Md., where he managed bachelor housing for young and bright-eyed sailors. He oversaw the upkeep and refurbishment of living quarters, managed budgets, and communicated with vendors to secure the best bids for contracted work.

Transitioning from the Navy in 2015, Nicholas pursued a bachelor’s degree in plant science from the University of Maryland. Through the Student Pathways Program, he joined USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service where he helped program managers to identify intercepted pests and diseases at international ports. Following a successful internship, Nicholas took an appointment as the officer in charge of the Maryland Plant Inspection Station in Beltsville, Md. where he facilitated the importation and exportation of plant germplasm resources and maintained the operational readiness of our agricultural infrastructure.

Since January 2024, Nicholas has served as a management analyst in OPPE’s Performance Improvement office. In this role he leads the development of data pipelines and reporting dashboards, collaborates with leadership to gather system requirements, and integrates Microsoft Power Platform solutions to streamline workflows. His work enhances business processes, drives operational excellence, and delivers significant benefits to both the agency and its stakeholders.

USDA Seeks Nominees for Grain Inspection Advisory Committee

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) seeks nominations for individuals to serve on the USDA Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. USDA seeks nominees who represent grain producers, processors, merchandisers, handlers, exporters, consumers, grain inspection agencies, or scientists. Advisory Committee recommendations help AMS advance the needs of grain stakeholders who operate in a dynamic and changing marketplace.

Nomination forms are available on the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee webpage on the AMS website and will be accepted until August 26, 2024. For more information contact Kendra Kline at (202) 690-2410.

That the USDA Food and Nutrition Service administers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)? This program provides nutritious low-cost or free lunches to students every school day? NSLP serves pre-K through grade 12 students in nearly 100,000 public and nonprofit private schools as well as and residential child-care organizations.

The program was confirmed under Richard B. Russell National School Act, then signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1946. NSLP is regulated by state agencies, which run the program through arrangements with school food authorities.