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YOUTH 

Tailoring outreach, engagement, and development to support upcoming leaders is part of IAC's commitment to see beyond what we need right now to ensure the health and prosperity of future generations. Our youth programs equip Native youth with employable skills, higher education resources, immersive learning experiences and virtual engagement opportunities nationwide. 

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PURPOSE

In response to the growing age gap in the agriculture industry, IAC prioritizes youth and young adult programs. We wholeheartedly believe that youth are the future and deserve a head start.

The Youth program offers leadership development opportunities such as internships, fellowships and apprenticeships, plus technical assistance to support youth agricultural endeavors.

EDUCATE & EMPOWER NATIVE YOUTH

2025 Bob Miller Memorial Scholarship

PROJECT LEAP

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Wth support from Newman’s Own Foundation and our expansive network of partners, IAC is  encouraging youth to LEAP into the world of agriculture.

Project LEAP provides resources to support Native youth investments in their professional development across agriculture. For projects and opportunities related to agriculture, natural resources, and food systems, a maximum of $500 may be awarded. Awards will be granted on a rolling basis until all funds have been distributed.

  • What happened to the Regional Food Business Centers?
    On July 15, 2025, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers program. Shortly after the announcement, USDA issued a modified termination letter to the IAC, which explicitly details that this announcement does directly impact the previously committed funding for the National Intertribal Food Business Center (NIFBC).
  • Will Business Builder Awards still be funded?
    We believe at least some of them will be. USDA has indicated that Business Builder Awards that have been executed, selected, or announced may proceed under a modified agreement, however, we are seeking guidance from USDA to understand how that designation applies to the NIFBC’s list of eligible awardees and the requirements for moving them forward. The IAC held a meeting with USDA AMS on July 17th, during which they were informed future guidance would be forthcoming.
  • What if I was recently announced as an awardee?
    The NIFBC’s pilot round awardees were notified in early July. If you were notified by the NIFBC that your Business Builder Award was approved, you likely fall within the scope of “selected or announced” and may still be eligible. We are prioritizing outreach to each of these awardees individually, and will provide updates as we receive additional information from USDA.
  • What can I do?
    The IAC held a meeting with USDA AMS on July 17th, during which they were informed no final decision has been made yet about how USDA defines “pending” awards relative to our center. Thus, we encourage you to reach out to your representative and advocate that any business working with the National Intertribal Food Business Center be considered a “pending” applicant and that their awards be honored by the USDA.
  • Should I keep working on any outstanding aspects of my application package?
    Yes. If you can, please continue. Submitting your materials could help ensure you remain eligible, depending on how USDA defines "pending." We hope to have more guidance soon.
  • When will we know more?
    The IAC held a meeting with USDA AMS on July 17th, during which they were informed future guidance would be forthcoming on timelines, allowable costs, and award eligibility. We will share updates here and via our NIFBC mailing list as soon as we have them.
  • What does this mean for the future of the NIFBC?
    While this USDA-funded phase of the NIFBC is being scaled back, IAC’s mission—and our commitment to Tribal food businesses—is not ending. We are actively exploring ways to sustain and evolve this work through other avenues.
  • How can I stay informed?
    Bookmark this FAQ page for real-time updates. Follow the Intertribal Agriculture Council on social media (@IndianAgCouncil). Reach out directly to the NIFBC at NIFBC@indianag.org for questions.
  • What if I feel frustrated, confused, or discouraged?
    You’re not alone—and your reaction is valid. This is a sudden shift in federal priorities, and it has real consequences for Indian Country food entrepreneurs who invested time and resources to become eligible for funding directly supporting agriculture in Indian Country. We are doing everything in our power to advocate for you, protect the investments already made, and build toward new opportunities. Please reach out. We're here to help.
2025 Bob Miller Memorial Scholarship

2025 BOB MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Preference will be given to full-time (12 credit hours or more) undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Agriculture, Agriculture Business, Agriculture Education, Agriculture Engineering, Animal Science, Environmental Management, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Range Management, Soil Science, Veterinary Medicine, or other related fields of food or agricultural study. Part-time and/or graduate students will be considered after full-time undergraduate students.

 

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25.

 

If you have any questions about the application, please contact Sunshine Tso at sunshine@indianag.org.

 

Application Deadline: March 31st, 2025 at 11:59 PM (PST)

If the application deadline is extended, it will be a first come, first serve basis.​

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UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Alaska Youth Regional Summit
    Alaska Youth Regional Summit
    Wed, Jul 23
    Jul 23, 2025, 8:00 AM – Jul 24, 2025, 5:00 PM
    Anchorage, 4101 University Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
    Hosted by the Intertribal Agriculture Council’s Youth Program, this two-day event brings together Native youth from across the Alaska region to connect and learn about agriculture.
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The Alaska Regional Youth Summit is scheduled to be held on July 23–24, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. Hosted by IAC's Youth Program, this two-day event brings together Native youth from across the Alaska region to connect and learn about agriculture.

NATIVE YOUTH
ADVISORY COUNCIL

The IAC Native Youth Advisory Council serves as the advising body for the IAC Youth program, ensuring the needs of youth in Indian Country are properly met within IAC programs.

Applications for 2024 will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions have been filled. Eligible applicants must be 18-27 years of age. Successful NYAC applicants will serve in shaping the leadership roles that this body will carry forward.

 

The following regions have open council positions: Eastern, Northwest, Rocky Mountain, Southeast, and Southern Plains.

ADVISORY

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Native Youth Advisory Council

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Native Youth Advisory Council

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Niagara Rockbridge

Navajo

Native Youth Advisory Council

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Native Youth Advisory Council

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Native Youth Advisory Council

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Keanu Henry

Alaska

Native Youth Advisory Council

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Native Youth Advisory Council

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Marcellus McDonald

Western

Native Youth Advisory Council

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Sarah Chatter 

Southwest

Native Youth Advisory Council

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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TEAM

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Youth Program Director

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Youth Program Specialist

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Youth Program Specialist

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Youth Program Specialist

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Intertribal Agriculture Council

PO Box 958, Billings, MT 59103

Tel: (406) 259-3525 

Fax: (888) 245-9694 

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© 2025 Intertribal Agriculture Council

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