

YOUTH PROGRAMS
OUR MISSION
EDUCATE AND EMPOWER NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH
In response to the growing age gap in the agriculture industry, IAC prioritized creating youth programs. We wholeheartedly believe that youth are the future and deserve a running start.
The Youth Program provides internships, funding assistance with scholarships, and technical assistance to support youth agricultural endeavors.
2023 Native Student Summer Internships
The IAC is recruiting college students and graduate students (and/or Native individuals seeking experience in Tribal agriculture and natural resources) who are passionate about promoting the regeneration of natural resources and addressing food scarcity within their communities.
It is the goal of IAC to keep these interns rooted in their home communities and assist the student in finding a Tribal Partner Project Site that best fits their interests. Student interns will work with IAC, USDA agency partners, and their partner sites to design a personalized internship experience in natural resources, land management, nutrition, traditional/healthy foods, and/or food security based upon interest and proximity to available sites.
10 selected interns will engage in a 10-12 week paid internship between the months of May and September. This internship will follow a hybrid model of in-person and virtual activities. Interns will dedicate 15-20 hours per week to site-based and remote activities.
Applications are open now through May 1st, 2023 at 11:59 PM (PST).
Internship Project Proposal & Letter of Interest
Please upload a 1-page (typed using Times New Roman, 12-point font; 500 words) project proposal.
What do you want your research project to focus on? How do you plan to execute on resources, theme, the field of study, or the like? This can be subject to change, we just want to get an idea.
2023 Bob Miller Memorial Scholarship
The 2023 Bob Miller Memorial Scholarship will award twenty-four $2,000 scholarships nationwide. Awardees will receive $1,000 for Fall 2023 and $1,000 for Spring 2024.
Are you or do you know an eligible student? Application preferences are as follows:
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Full-time undergraduate students, then part-time and/or graduate students
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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
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Students must prove that they have a minimum GPA of 2.25
Complete application packages should include an essay submission, 1-2 reference letters, and a recent transcript. Students are also encouraged to provide a resume, cover letter, and a class schedule as relevant.
Applications must be received by March 15th, 2023 at 11:59 PM (PST) for priority consideration.
Scholarship Application Requirements & Relevant Documents
Please attach a written essay (typed using Times New Roman, 12-point font; between 500 and 1,500 words) to help us understand how agriculture has made an impact in your life and community.
Please expand on your future goals and aspirations in an agriculture-related field or occupation. Here are some questions and topics from which to draw inspiration when writing your essay:
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How does continuing your education and/or future career goals enhance the traditional and cultural food systems in your community?
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Define the following terms in your own words: food access, preservation, and agriculture
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In which ways do traditional knowledge and practices play a role in your community's food system? How will you make a difference?
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What role does agriculture play in your community?
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What agriculture resources does your community rely on?
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Do the resources work for your community? Do you see a need for improvement?
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In your community, how do agriculture and cultural preservation overlap?
(Note: You are not required to answer these questions in your essay. They are simply meant to give you ideas and a starting point.)