USDA NextGen Program
In 2023, the ASU Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, in partnership with three other universities and FoodCorps, received a grant centered on educating the next generation of food systems leaders.
Funded through this grant, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) NextGen program at ASU is creating a pipeline of young professionals, trained and ready for future careers in the food and agriculture sector, particularly at USDA. The program includes scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students studying sustainable food systems, paid internship opportunities, workshops to navigate USAjobs.gov, a Model USDA conference, and more.
USDA NextGen paid internships
USDA NextGen internships provide undergraduate students with real-world experience in food systems, offering the opportunity to make valuable connections and gain practical skills for future careers. The Swette Center is partnering with 30+ organizations in the fields of urban and organic agriculture, Indigenous foodways, water management, and government service to host USDA NextGen interns (in-person, hybrid, and remote options available).
Internship application
The deadline to apply for a spring 2026 internship has passed, but there will be future opportunities each semester. These internships are available to any undergraduate student in the ASU School of Sustainability, with preference given to those pursuing a degree, minor, or certificate in sustainable food systems. Stay in the loop with the form below!
Info session
On the fence about pursuing a USDA NextGen internship? Watch a recording of our info session where we discussed the valuable opportunities this unique internship experience offers. We also provided helpful tips for the application process, including resume, cover letter, and interviewing advice.
Internship insights
We asked Tristan Fogarty, a 2024 summer intern with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a few questions about his experience as an intern.
Q: Why did you apply to the USDA NextGen internship program?
A: I applied because the program offers a unique chance to gain hands-on professional exposure and access resources.
Q: What were some of your day-to-day activities?
A: At my internship, I helped with public affairs and urban agriculture initiatives with a focus on soil health.
Q: How did this internship advance your career journey?
A: I had a lot of opportunities to showcase my skills and take on challenges, which boosted my confidence and equipped me with experiences to help me stand out in the job market.
USDA NextGen scholarships
The USDA NextGen program provides ASU students up to $7,500 per semester in scholarship support within the sustainable food systems degree programs in the School of Sustainability.
Undergraduate scholarships
Undergraduate students should apply for the USDA NextGen scholarship by using the general College of Global Futures scholarship application in the ScholarshipUniverse portal. There is one for incoming students and one for current students. The supplemental essay prompt in addition to other questions should be completed for consideration of USDA NextGen and other scholarships.
Graduate scholarships
Graduate students pursuing a Master of Science in sustainable food systems or Graduate Certificate in food policy and sustainability leadership are eligible for the UDSA NextGen scholarship. After acceptance into either grad program, students will potentially be contacted with an offer to receive the USDA NextGen scholarship. No separate scholarship application is required.
USDA NextGen professional development
Students receiving USDA NextGen scholarships and/or internships are expected to commit to the following five activities:
Similar to Model Congress and Model UN, scholars and interns in our NextGen program participate in Model USDA, a three-day simulation event that equips students with valuable insight on the work that USDA does and training on how to do it. By role-playing as policymakers and stakeholders, students develop leadership skills and acquire firsthand experience with policy development and negotiation.
See our Model USDA page for more information.
This info session familiarizes students with the abundance of job opportunities within USDA. With 17 different agencies and a budget over $200 billion, USDA is one of the largest and most influential government departments. This session breaks it down for students to understand the inner workings and find their niche in the Department of Agriculture. Our USDA info session occurs twice a year and is always open to the public.
This workshop provides students with all the dos and don’ts of applying for federal employment through USAjobs.gov. After attending, students are able to confidently navigate the expansive website and have more success in their search for internships and/or job opportunities. This workshop occurs twice a year and is always open to the public.
To ensure USDA NextGen students are fluent in climate science, an annual symposium on climate and food is held virtually, inclusive of providing an online “toolbox” of accessible and reusable resources. This symposium occurs twice a year and is always open to the public.
Model USDA
Model USDA gives NextGen scholars and interns a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of food policy decisionmakers and stakeholders through a multi-day simulation. Through role-playing on relevant federal policy challenges before USDA, students act out real life job functions, navigate crises, and engage in negotiating and problem-solving.
Participants gain valuable insights into the work of the USDA while receiving training focused on leadership skills and policy development.
USDA NextGen article feature
“This funding is going to be so empowering to young people studying food systems and agriculture as they get through their college degrees and get paid internships that are pertinent to career goals.”
– Kathleen Merrigan, executive director of the Swette Center
Stay updated on USDA NextGen opportunities by following the Swette Center on social media.
For USDA NextGen inquiries:
