SCHOLARSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS, APPRENTICESHIPS, tRAININGS
NAFSN curates scholarships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities to learn in support of those seeking education and/or professional development in sustainable agriculture, food systems studies, and aligned learning.
Does your institution or organization offer scholarships? Email us your listing for inclusion.
4/14/2025
EcoTrust has announced The Madrona Fellowship for Food System Leaders in the US Northwest. This fellowship is a 12-month leadership development program supporting Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) working at the intersections of food, land, culture, and climate justice. Through seasonal gatherings, mentorship, and peer connection, the fellowship nurtures transformative leadership rooted in land, community, and collective care. Guided by the rhythms of the region, it offers space for reflection, relationship, and regeneration.
Ecotrust has expanded the fellowship’s geographic reach—from the Upper Willamette Valley to the Lower Salish Sea—growing a bioregional network of leaders grounded in place and relationship. The program now brings together fellows across three regional hubs: Portland, Chehalis, and Seattle. All fellows gather seasonally for land-based immersions at our central farm site near Chehalis.
Applications due: May 16, 2025.
4/14/2025
In 2019, First Nations Development Institute, in partnership with the Henry Luce Foundation, launched the Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship to honor and support a select cohort of fellows as they work to further Native knowledge creation, dissemination, and perpetuation in Native communities. The goal of this fellowship is to support exceptional leaders, knowledge holders, and knowledge makers who are doing noteworthy work to advance Indigenous knowledge and knowledge systems in diverse fields. The fellowship is intended to support individuals who are working to make broad, transformative impact and change in their diverse knowledge fields and within Native communities.
First Nations will award 10 fellowships of $75,000 each to outstanding Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers engaged in meaningful work that benefits Native people and communities in either reservation and/or urban settings.
The start date of the fellowship is January 1, 2026, and the end date is December 31, 2027.
Applications due: April 30, 2025.
4/10/2024
Community Food Funders is taking applications for their Seeding Power Fellowship.
The Seeding Power Fellowship is a nine-month cohort-based food justice fellowship program for experienced leaders working across sectors to build equitable food systems. The program is designed for movement leaders and philanthropic partners in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Seeding Power is unique in both the region it serves and the focus on effective collaborations and equitable relationships, while including fellows from philanthropy and government. Racial equity, social justice, active communication, and collaboration form the core of a tested yet tailored curriculum designed by Emerging Equity.
By creating a community of practice that develops a shared analysis of the issues plaguing our food system, Seeding Power cohorts graduate with strengthened cross-sector relationships and skills, and the opportunity to develop projects together.
Each fellow receives at least three hours of individualized coaching. Movement fellows receive a $5,000 stipend, and philanthropic fellows are asked to make a financial contribution.
Applications due: April 30, 2025.
4/3/2025
The Institute for Social and Economic Development Solutions (ISED) is offering conference travel support scholarships for the food systems conference in Portland Oregon called "Resilience and Resistance: Cross-Pollinating Food Movements." The conference is June 22-24, 2025.
This national gathering will bring together food systems leaders, farmers, academics, and advocates to tackle pressing environmental, economic, and health challenges. With more than 500 attendees expected, the event will feature inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, local field trips, and networking opportunities ... all designed to strengthen and re-imagine our food systems movement.
Scholarship applications due: May 1, 2025.
4/2/2025
The Southeastern African American Farmers’ Organic Network (SAAFON) and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) have partnered together to create a scholarship in memory of Cynthia Hayes, co-founder and former director of SAAFON.
Eligible students may apply for this scholarship (see eligibility requirements in the announcement). The students awarded the scholarship will each receive a $5000 award and the opportunity to connect with sustainable food and farm advocates and practitioners. The scholarship will be awarded during the Summer of 2025.
Applications due: May 1, 2025.
4/1/2025
The Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Graduate Student Grant Program is a competitive program to fund graduate student projects that address sustainable agriculture issues. The Call for Proposals is now open.
This program was instituted in 2000 for full-time graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) enrolled at accredited colleges and institutions in the southern region. Projects must include a clear and well-defined research topic that benefits sustainable agriculture in the Southern Region.
Awards can be up to $22,000. Projects are for 24 months
Proposals due by: May 16, 2025.
3/24/2025
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Proven Winners Scholarship Program.
4-Year University Scholarships Eligibility Requirements:
- Students must be enrolled full-time in a four-year university in the U.S. or Canada and be at least a sophomore during the academic year. Master’s and Ph.D. level students are also eligible. Students needed to have at least one year of school left before graduation.
- Must be enrolled in Horticultural Science or related fields.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Online Application
- Reference Letter: Written by your current academic advisor or a professor.
- 750 Word Essay: “What I Want to Accomplish in Horticulture."
Applications due: April 15, 2025.
3/14/2025
The Root and Bloom Fellowship, hosted by the National Young Farmers Coalition, is an advocacy and power-building educational opportunity for 25 farmers across the country.
Organized into two major phases, ROOT and BLOOM, fellows will explore how many of the challenges young and BIPOC farmers face nationwide are deeply woven and rooted in federal agriculture policy. Progressing through the fellowship, fellows will explore the ways those same policies and power dynamics play out in their communities and regions, blooming into new opportunities, positions of power, local relationships, and projects, to make change at home.
Over 9 months, from September 2025 to June 2026, Root & Bloom fellows will meet (virtually) for bimonthly sessions that will foster relationships amongst the geographically diverse cohort, allow space to dive deep into topics like organizing, advocacy, power analysis (and so much more!), and ultimately culminate in fellows pursuing leadership positions. Fellows will receive stipends for their time spent on program activities, and we estimate this fellowship to be a 4-6 hour per month time commitment.
Applications due: May 14, 2025.
3/14/2025
CCOF Foundation's Future Organic Farmers program gives $5,000 scholarships to students and early career farmers for organic-focused studies in college or vocational programs. Grants support higher education and vocational students pursuing degrees or certificates in organic agriculture to help cover tuition and educational expenses.
Future Organic Farmer grant applicants must:
- Be enrolled in an educational program in the United States that will benefit their career in organic agriculture, including vocational training/certificate programs or two/four-year degrees
- Demonstrate financial need
- Demonstrate a strong interest and commitment to a career in organic agriculture
- Submit a final report at the end of the award year
- Graduate degrees/programs are not eligible for funding
- The application is available in both English and Spanish.
Application cycle: March 17-April 18, 2025.
2/27/2025
The application window for the 2025 USDA 1890 National Scholars Program has re-opened. Students at 1890 land-grant universities are invited to complete and submit their applications online through USDA’s e-application.
This program is a partnership between USDA and the 19 1890 land-grant universities to encourage students at historically Black 1890 land-grant universities to pursue food and agriculture careers. The program provides scholarship recipients with full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Scholarship recipients attend one of the 1890 universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The scholarship also includes work experience at USDA through summer internships. Scholars accepted into the program are eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent appointment with USDA upon successful completion of their degree requirements and program requirements by the end of the agreement period.
Deadline extended to: March 15, 2025
2/27/2025
The Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF) in Traverse City, Michigan, is accepting applications for its Training Program that begins in April 2025.
GLIF is dedicated to training the next generation of farmers through a local farming model rooted in regenerative agriculture. Their goal is to build resilience within local food systems while fostering a lasting culture of health and wellness.
This rigorous program is best suited for those who are confident that farming is their chosen path. Admission is competitive, with only five students accepted each year. Participants must commit fully to the seven month program. Students work closely with staff to prepare the soil, organize materials, optimize equipment, and finalize crop and marketing plans. As the season progresses, participants gain hands-on experience in all aspects of farming—from cultivation and planting to problem-solving, harvesting, and marketing their products.
Students will collaborate by working directly alongside the Farm Manager to run a fully functioning farm business while also engaging in classroom instruction, field demonstrations, and daily fieldwork. The program culminates in the development of an independent farm business plan, which each participant presents to their peers and the farm manager.
Applications due: March 31, 2025
2/25/2025
Colorado Garden Foundation offers its scholarship programs from proceeds generated from the annual Colorado Garden & Home Show and Colorado Fall Home Show, to provide financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students attending a college or university in Colorado.
This scholarship includes tuition, fees, room & board, and all required books. Applicants must be a pursuing a degree in Horticulture, Landscape Horticulture, Floriculture, Turf Grass Management, Botany, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Landscape Design, or Landscape Architecture.
Applications due: March 15, 2025
2/25/2025
The Western Reserve Herb Society offers Plant Science scholarships. These are open to students who have completed the second/sophomore year of undergraduate study and are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree. The applicants for these scholarships must be attending an accredited college or university and have achieved a grade point average of 3.2 or above.
The Western Reserve Herb Society Scholarship covers all accredited colleges and universities in the United States. There will be two (2) awards of $6,000 each.
The Frances Sylvia Zverina Scholarship is restricted to students studying at an accredited institution within the state of Ohio. All Ohio candidates are also automatically considered for the National Scholarship. There will be two (2) awards of $7,000 each.
Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate exceptional dedication through outside experiences and whose career goals may involve work in areas such as the public or nonprofit sector, education, sustainability, and research.
Application deadline: February 28, 2025.
2/15/2025
GreenStone Farm Credit Services provides leadership and educational opportunities to agricultural communities to develop strong leaders to sustain the long-term success of the industry.
Up to $60,000 in scholarships is available to graduating high school seniors and current college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors majoring in an agriculture or natural resource-related field.
Applications due: February 28, 2025
2/12/2025
Are you interested in learning the knowledge and skills you’ll need for a long-term career in organic vegetable production? Or are you a farmer hoping to invest in and cultivate long-term managers on your farm?
The Organic Vegetable Farm Manager Apprenticeship in Wisconsin is the first registered apprenticeship for organic vegetable production in the United States. It is co-hosted by Fairshare CSA Coalition, University of Wisconsin Extension-Madison, Wisconsin Technical College Systems, and Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
The program provides paid, hands-on training that benefits producers and apprentices alike. Through this two-year, competency-based program, apprentices work with experienced farmers to develop their skills and learn the ins-and-outs of what it takes to run a successful farm business--from seeding and transplanting to sales and marketing.
No application deadline listed.
1/20/2025
To support the development of future veterinary researchers, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) established the FFAR Veterinary Student Research Fellowship (FFAR Vet Fellows) in 2018. This year, the fellowship features several updates to expand its scope, eligibility and impact. The program is accepting applications for the 2025 cohort.
The FFAR Vet Fellows program will support both quantitative and qualitative student research. The fellowship is providing up to 15 students a total of $16,000 — a $6,000 increase from last year. It is open to domestic and international students currently enrolled in a DVM or VMD degree program.
Application deadline: February 26, 2025
1/12/2025
The Agroecology Extension Summer Research Fellowship (AX Program) at the University of Vermont is a fully paid, 10-week research and outreach experience open to undergraduates from across the US.
The AX program is based at the UVM Horticulture and Research Center in Burlington VT. AX Fellows can also expect to travel throughout the state on site visits. Research project sites are dependent on the location of mentor’s research. Personal transportation is encouraged but not required.
The AX Program runs Tuesday May 27, 2025 through Friday, August 1, 2025. The AX program offers a $4,500 stipend and on-campus housing to Fellows. UVM provides the project, mentorship, and research sites.
Application deadline: March 2, 2025
1/12/2025
Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, New York offers a Summer Research Scholars Program where undergraduate students participate in exciting projects in agricultural research, food and beverage entrepreneurship, and business development.
For all internship programs, students have the opportunity to work with faculty, their graduate students, postdocs, and senior level staff on projects to jumpstart future career paths.
Application deadline: January 20, 2025
1/12/2025
The Indigenous Summer Research Scholars Program, supported by a grant from the USDA's New Beginning for Tribal Students (NBTS) program (matched by Cornell CALS) has made it possible to fully fund four Indigenous students each year for the next four years to take part in Cornell University's Summer Research Scholars Program.
Since 2009, this nine-week internship has paired undergraduate students with faculty programs at Cornell AgriTech, where the student scholars gain valuable research experience to help jump-start their careers. Learn more about the program.
Similarly, as a participant in the Indigenous Summer Research Scholars Program, you will:
- Conduct an independent research project focused on the agricultural plant or food sciences.
- Develop professional and soft skills necessary for research.
- Be mentored by Cornell faculty who are experts in entomology, horticulture, food science or plant pathology.
- Connect with near-peer graduate student mentors who will work with you one-on-one.
- Receive additional culturally relevant mentoring from Indigenous Cornell faculty, the Cornell American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP) and Indigenous farmers and agricultural professionals in New York.
- Participate in additional professional enrichment programming and field trips.
Scholars receive a $6,200 stipend and are provided housing. The stipend is paid in a lump sum as direct deposit shortly after arrival, typically by the end of the first full week of the program. These funds will help pay for meals not provided by the program, travel to and from Geneva, NY, and any personal expenses you incur during the program. Housing, local transportation and a number of meals will be provided.
Applications due: January 20, 2025
1/10/2025
The Garden Club of America offers 29 merit-based scholarships and fellowships in 12 areas related to conservation, ecology, horticulture and pollinator research.
Applications due: January-February 2025
12/19/2024
The Farmlink Project is accepting applications to its 2025 FIELD fellowship program.
Each year, Farmlink selects up to 12 students to participate in a nine-month long program that blends food system knowledge, entrepreneurial training, and real-world experience. The program empowers young people to work at the front lines of the food system and design their own solutions to sustainably feed the planet. It includes a paid 10-week immersive internship with an industry partner, working hands-on to deeply understand problems and design solutions.
No experience in sustainability, food systems, etc is required. Farmlink prioritizes action-oriented students who believe in their ability to make the world a better place over experience.
Applications due: January 5, 2025.
12/18/2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) is accepting applications for the 2025 USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program.
These fellowships introduce faculty and staff from Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Hispanic-Serving School Districts to the vast array of USDA resources available to them. The fellowships take place during the summer of 2025, and applications are due by March 6, 2025.
“This fellowship was designed to introduce faculty and staff from Hispanic-Serving Institutions to the many USDA programs and resources available to them and their students,” said Dr. Lisa Ramirez, director of USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. “More than 400 fellows have participated in the E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program, bringing back the knowledge they’ve acquired to share with their institutions and communities.”
The USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program offers faculty and staff the opportunity to work collaboratively with USDA to gain insight and understanding of the federal government. Fellows receive access to long-term collaboration opportunities with USDA agencies, and then share what they have learned with students and colleagues at their home institutions and in their communities.
Application deadline: March 6, 2025
12/18/2024
In recognition of the need for more agriculture education opportunities specifically geared toward Native students, the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) established the Tribal Agriculture Fellowship (TAF) with additional support provided by John Deere, Farmer Mac and the Farm Credit. TAF supports Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students pursuing technical, undergraduate and graduate degrees in agriculture.
The mission of TAF is to create opportunities for students to advance their education in agriculture, increase specialized knowledge and preserve and promote the legacy of agriculture in tribal communities. The program is designed to close the financial gap to allow Fellows to place their primary focus on their academic pursuits, while allowing Fellows to have the time and resources needed to participate in educational enrichment activities.
The program provides a benefits package that can include up to four years of fellowship status, with funding to earn agricultural degrees or technical certifications.
Application deadline: January 17, 2025
12/18/2024
The National Grazing Lands Coalition (NatGLC) is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to the assistance of grazing lands, both private and public.
In partnership with Powerflex Supply and administered by NatGLC, the Land & Legacy Scholarship provides financial support for farmers and ranchers interested in attending any of Noble Research Institute’s 2025 educational courses. Topics range from regenerative ranching techniques to business management strategies aimed at fostering long-term profitability and environmental stewardship. Each scholarship awarded will cover the full cost of a single Noble course registration.
Course participants will gain practical insights from Noble’s experienced regenerative ranching advisors, connect with like-minded peers, and learn how to implement innovative solutions to elevate their operation and bottom line.
The scholarship is open to farmers and ranchers interested in expanding their skills and knowledge of regenerative land and business management practices.
Application deadline: January 15, 2025