USDA NextGen Program
In 2023, the ASU Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, in partnership with three other universities and FoodCorps, received an $18.5 million grant centered on educating the next generation of food systems leaders.
Funded through this grant, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) NextGen program at ASU is creating a pipeline of diverse 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 event, an interactive MyUSDA app, and more. It engages the community as well, hosting conversations about future USDA workforce needs based on community-identified gaps in service.
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 2025 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 recent 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 system degree programs in the School of Sustainability. Students from traditionally underrepresented populations and first-gen college students are especially encouraged to apply.
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
Those receiving NextGen scholarships and/or internships are expected to commit to the following five activities:
The USDA 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. There is a wide-range of career pathways, which can be exciting and also daunting for students considering pursuing a USDA job. This info session breaks it down so it’s easier for students to understand the inner workings and find their niche in the Department of Agriculture. This session occurs twice a year and is always open to the public.
Based on “Model Congress” and “Model UN,” NextGen students participate in “Model USDA”: a simulation engagement to provide students with insights on the work that USDA does and training on how to do it, with particular emphasis on leadership skills and policy development. Students take on the roles of Secretary, senior advisor, administrator, chief of staff, press aide, budget officer, HR director, tribal liaison office staff and more. Through role playing on specific and timely issues before USDA (e.g. preparation of the annual budget submission, competition, food procurement, food safety outbreak), students act out real life job functions in a simulated atmosphere.
The inaugural Model USDA event will take place over the course of three days: January 31, 2025 – February 2, 2025.
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 and a tutorial on how to use them. This symposium occurs twice a year and is always open to the public.
Stay updated on USDA NextGen opportunities by following the Swette Center on social media.
Year 1 in review
The first year of the USDA NextGen Program at ASU has been transformative, marked by significant scholarships and internships to prepare students to enter the food and agricultural workforce. View our Year One Report below to see how we’re building a pipeline of leaders.
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. It exemplifies ASU’s charter: creating a culture of inclusion and measuring our success based on the success of our students.”
– Kathleen Merrigan, executive director of the Swette Center
For USDA NextGen inquiries:
