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.
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
PROJECT LEAP
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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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
Native Youth Advisory Council
Native Youth Advisory Council
Niagara Rockbridge
Navajo
Native Youth Advisory Council
Native Youth Advisory Council
Native Youth Advisory Council
Keanu Henry
Alaska
Native Youth Advisory Council
Native Youth Advisory Council
Marcellus McDonald
Western
Native Youth Advisory Council
Sarah Chatter
Southwest
Native Youth Advisory Council
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
TEAM
Youth Program Director
Youth Program Specialist
Youth Program Specialist
Youth Program Specialist