Bright Futures Initiative: 'Unpaid Internship' Scholarship Fund

 

Bright Futures Initiative: 'Unpaid Internship' Scholarship Fund

   Application Opening: Monday, April 3, 2023

   Application Closing: Monday, May 8, 2023 @ 5pm

   go.umd.edu/BrightFutures

The Bright Futures Initiative awards students with need-based scholarships ranging from $100-$1,000 to help offset expenses incurred during unpaid internships. 

If you are an undergraduate student who has secured an unpaid summer internship with a non-profit organization or government office, you are eligible to apply.  Additional eligibility details are provided below.

Eligible Candidates

All registered University of Maryland, College Park undergraduate students returning to campus for the fall 2023 semester, who have an unpaid internship for summer 2023, are eligible to apply.  Graduating seniors are not eligible.  Preference will be given to juniors and seniors graduating in December.  Preference will also be given to those who have not previously received this scholarship.

In order for your internship to qualify for funding support, it must satisfy the following criteria:

• Unpaid on-campus and off-campus internship with a non-profit organization or government agency.
• New internship experience during summer 2023 and completed by the start of the fall 2023 semester.
• Supervised by a professional in the field.

Bright Futures scholarships are generously funded by the Eisen Family, the University Career Center & The President’s Promise, and individual donors through Maryland Giving Day.  

Sustainability Internship Scholarship

   Application Open: Monday, March 27, 2023

   Application Closes: Monday, April 24

   https://careers.umd.edu/sustainability-internship-scholarship

Do you have a summer 2023 unpaid internship related to sustainability?  Does your internship organization align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals?

If you answered yes and you are an undergraduate student, you may be eligible.  Scholarship awards ranging from $200-$1,000 are available to help offset expenses.  More details can be found here.

This scholarship is made possible through a partnership between UMD's Student Government Association, Office of Sustainability and the University Career Center.

UMD Terp Farm Tour

Join us on a tour of the UMD Terp Farm guided by the Terp Farm Manager, Guy Kilpatric. Terp Farm is located 15 miles from College Park at the AGNR Upper Marlboro Facility. At the farm, staff grow vegetables using sustainable practices for Dining Services and Terps at UMD. The tour will include a visit to the production areas (fields and greenhouses), as well as where produce is harvested and cleaned before heading to campus.

This tour is organized by the Office of Sustainability, UMD Division of Student Affairs, and Dining Services. Transportation to and from Terp Farm will be provided. Please send any questions, comments, or concerns to Anushka at atandon1@umd.edu.

The first 22 registrants will be able to attend. You will receive a confirmation email by Monday, April 3rd. Registrants on the waitlist will be contacted if additional spots become available.

Registration Form: Application

Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows

 Ideal Rawlings candidates for the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows 2023 - 2024 cohort must have two remaining semesters prior to beginning the fall 2023 semester so they can finish the one-year program that will end in May 2024. The most competitive candidates will also be driven and motivated change-makers with long-term goals or interests related to topics such as public leadership, community service, advocacy, or community organizing. 

Other Information to Share with Prospective Students: The Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program honors the legacy of Howard Peters "Pete" Rawlings. Delegate Rawlings was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing the 40th district for more than two decades. The Rawlings Program provides students the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Delegate Rawlings and develop as a champion for those that are less represented in public leadership & decision-making processes.

Working with faculty, alumni and local leaders, Rawlings Fellows develop skills and resources needed to take on leadership roles during the program and into their careers. Fellows will also grow to understand the importance of cultural pluralism and advocacy for unheard voices while developing leadership skills needed to adequately address these inequities.

What students can expect: The Rawlings Fellows Program is a year-long experience where students develop their entrepreneurial spirit through designing a model of their own nonprofit, called the Community Action Project (CAP). In the Fall semester students take a leadership development seminar (PLCY 388N) titled “Advancing Justice through Leadership and Social Change." During the spring semester, Rawlings Fellows, in groups of two - four students,  then implement and execute their CAP project they designed during the fall semester.

The program offers opportunities for mentorship, professional development events, potential engagements with local & state leaders, the opportunity to intern with a government agency, political organization or nonprofit and gain hands-on experience actively serving in the local community. These program components help Rawlings Fellows realize their commitment to public service and further develop critical leadership skills necessary for a career in government, nonprofits or private sector jobs related to public leadership and advocacy for the underrepresented.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 5th 

Application where prospective students can apply is available at this link: (https://spp.umd.edu/your-education/undergraduate/co-curricular-programs/rawlings-undergraduate-leadership-fellows)

Points of contact: Any questions can be directed to the Rawlings graduate assistants: Cody Arigo (carigo@umd.edu) &  Solomon Lawrence (sol7@umd.edu)

AmeriCorps VISTA Position

University of Maryland Campus Food Systems Project

Full Time, July 2023-July 2024

College Park, MD

Applications being accepted through May 31, 2023! Please share widely!

About the Project:

At UMD, 20% of students are food insecure and lack reliable access to nutritious food (with another 21% at-risk). An estimated 8,000 UMD students not only experience hunger but also related and significant vulnerabilities and barriers to their health and wellbeing. The Campus Food Systems Education Project at the University of Maryland, College Park is a partnership between the Department of Dining Services, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and the Coalition for Terps Essential Needs. Through existing close collaboration, these entities enhance campus and community food literacy by supporting and managing three programs, Campus Food Gardens, Terp Farm, and the Campus Pantry. The Campus Pantry serves UMD students, faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity by making free shelf-stable and refrigerated/frozen groceries available and accessible on campus. It also operates a Teaching Kitchen that offers cooking and nutrition classes for the community. The three Campus Food Gardens grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs for donation to the Pantry. They also offer lessons to campus and community members about sustainable agriculture, urban gardening, and healthy lifestyles. Terp Farm is a 5-acre sustainable vegetable operation that grows exclusively for UMD Dining Services, including donating to the Pantry. All of these spaces support learning and employment opportunities for UMD students. 

About the Position:

The TMA AmeriCorps VISTA member will support three main goals to foster a Hunger-Free UMD: 1) build capacity for the Campus Food Gardens and Terp Farm to support campus and community food security, 2) build capacity for the Campus Pantry Teaching Kitchen to offer comprehensive learning opportunities, and 3) expand food literacy both on and off-campus through student and youth empowerment. 

The VISTA member will spend their time between the UMD Campus Pantry, Terp Farm, and the three Campus Food Gardens in order to facilitate fresh produce harvest deliveries to the Pantry, as well as gardening, cooking, and nutrition education at the Pantry’s Teaching Kitchen. This is a very active position with an exciting diversity of tasks that are visible on the University of Maryland, College Park campus and in collaboration with off-campus partners working to alleviate poverty and increase community food security. On a day-to-day basis, the VISTA member will work under the supervision of either the Green Dining Manager or the Community Learning Garden Manager, who work in close partnership. This position is eligible for one day of telework per week.

At the end of this project, there will be an established program manual, training modules, and organizational structure to coordinate between the UMD Campus Food Garden and UMD Campus Pantry. With the foundational work of the VISTA servicemember, the Food Gardens, Pantry and Teaching Kitchen will eventually be able to be operated by student staff.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Identify and work with the student groups and supporting departments to develop infrastructure for volunteer and intern programs, a student training initiative, and coordinated produce donation programs

• Launch an integrated teaching calendar leveraging the expertise of the Coalition for Terps Essential Needs and other partner organizations to offer extracurricular and hands-on learning opportunities regarding food, gardening, and cooking utilizing the Campus Food Gardens and the Campus Pantry Teaching Kitchen 

• Develop an assessment tool to be used to track and evaluate the educational programs offered    

• Review existing Campus Food System Education Project partnerships within and beyond UMD and streamline a system for onboarding and evaluating new partnerships

• Lead efforts to plan, launch, and integrate normal operations of a produce hub for the Capital Area Food Bank at the Campus Pantry

• Work to secure long-term resources for the Campus Pantry, Campus Food Gardens, and Terp Farm

• Empower students, specifically low-income adult students, to take a lead role in project efforts 

• Meet with and gather feedback from stakeholders on campus and in the community

• Assess the project as it happens and be able to make adaptations and corrections as needed

• Participate as an active member of the UMD Campus Pantry team

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree, Certificate of Applied Agriculture, or equivalent education
• Valid driver’s license (with a maximum of five points)
• Good people skills and be able to communicate well both verbally and in writing
• Self-starter with strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Ability and willingness to work outside in all weather conditions from rainy days to high summer heat
  
• Familiarity with vegetable gardening, food service, food safety, nutrition, emergency food, and social justice issues is important
• A commitment to inclusion and experience working with diverse populations, including people of color, women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals is essential
• Experience working with sustainable agriculture, culinary workshops, project management, marketing, nonprofit agencies, and/or technology preferred

Compensation:

This is a 12-month Transform Mid Atlantic (TMA) AmeriCorps VISTA position that begins in July 2023. The monthly stipend for this VISTA position is approximately $1,850. Upon completing the 12-months of service, the person in this position can choose to receive either an education award worth $6,895 to pay for further education, or $1,800 cash. Additional benefits include:

• Healthcare benefits through AmeriCorps
• Paid leave
• Child care (if eligible)
  
• Relocation allowance
• University of Maryland meal plan
• University of Maryland parking permit
• Professional development opportunities

Applications being accepted through May 31, 2023. Submit the online application at https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=117153 and send a resume, cover letter, and names and telephone numbers of three references to campuspantry@umd.edu.

Precision Ag Scholarship

 

Farms.com is excited to announce the return of the Precision Agriculture Scholarship Contest—students who have a precision ag idea with a focus on environmental and cost saving benefits to farmers are encouraged to apply! You could WIN 1 of 3 US$2,000 scholarships (one winner will be awarded in each region: Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom). Students can be studying in any field, not just agriculture, including robotics, AI, engineering, environmental science, etc. However, the ideas need to be practical and appealing to farmers! Students can be studying as undergraduates or as graduate students. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION - Thursday, June 30, 2023 at 11:59 PM (Eastern North America). Voting will close in August, and the winner of the $2,000 scholarships will be announced in September. For more information on how to enter and eligibility, visit here.

Nation Farmers Union Job board

 

The National Farmers Union Job Board is created to help members in search of new agriculture and cooperative careers make connections. If you have any questions, please contact emccormick@nfudc.org. Learn more about working in agriculture through AgExplorer. This robust, comprehensive career resource will help you explore the broad range of careers within the industry of agriculture. Brought to you by the National FFA Organization. https://agexplorer.ffa.org/

Scholarships

National Farmers Union offers scholarships to high school seniors, college students or nontraditional students seeking funding to attend a two or four-year accredited college, university or technical school for any area of study. Scholarships range between $1,500 - $2,000 and the deadline to apply is April 1. Learn more about the scholarship opportunities here

Job Board

Agronomy Operations Intern CHS Inc. - Wilmot, SD  CHS Herman has an exciting opportunity in our Country Operations Division in Wilmot, SD. This Agronomy Operations Intern will work extensively with Country Operations Cooperative Customers in ensuring they are provided the highest level of service. This intern will learn the full operations of a successful cooperative location. This internship is for Summer 2023. Learn more and apply here Loan Officer Trainee FSC Financial - Jefferson City, MO In the Loan Officer Trainee position, you will work closely with other Loan Officers to focus on marketing, originating, and servicing agricultural financial products, and providing agricultural and financial expertise to customers and prospects while building strong relationships with these individuals You will also cross train with different positions within the Association, such as the Sales, Credit, or Crop Insurance! Learn more and apply here Administrative Assistant (Part-Time) Rocky Mountain Farmers Union - Denver, CO As the administrative assistant your role would be to assist staff, members, and the board of directors, with all-matters of operational and administrative requests. You will support RMFU staff by assisting with publications, correspondence, and scheduling.    Learn more and apply here Accounting Intern Organic Valley - La Farge, WI The General Ledger Accountant Intern will be responsible to provide general accounting support for the cooperative’s accounting department. This will include exposure to all general accounting areas, including accounts receivable, claims & deductions, accounts payable, inventory, fixed assets, general ledger, and financial reporting. Learn more and apply here Administrative Assistant CHS Inc. - Napoleon, ND CHS, Inc South Central is looking for an enthusiastic Administrative Assistant to join our team. You’ll play a crucial role as the face and first point of contact for our organization. Other responsibilities include assisting customers with queries on the phone or by email, preparing, organizing and storing confidential information and other duties as assigned. Learn more and apply here

Midwest

Purina Feed Sales Representative Land O'Lakes - Arden Hills, MN, or New Hampton, IA Learn more and apply here Research Associate/Post-doc Agribusiness Lincoln University of Missouri - Jefferson City, MO Learn more and apply here 

Northeast

HR Internship Ocean Spray - Lakeville and Boston, MA Learn more and apply here Agriculture Marketing and Inspection Representative State of Connecticut – Hartford, CT Learn more and apply here

Southeast

Equine Sales Representative Southern States Cooperative - Purcellville, VA Learn more and apply here Accounts Coordinator (Part-Time) Tennessee Farmers Cooperative - LaVergne, TN Learn more and apply here 

Southwest

Cotton Services Specialist Plains Cotton Cooperative Association - Lubbock, TX Learn more and apply here Farm Store Representative La Feria Co-op Gin & Supply - La Feria, TX Learn more and apply here 

West

Agri-Marketing Internship Yosemite Foods Inc. - Stockton, CA Learn more and apply here Truck Drover Shipping Sun-Maid - Kinsburg, CA Learn more and apply here Capital markets Intern - Summer 2023 CoBank - Greenwood Village, CO Learn more and apply here Farm Store Clerk Tillamook - Tillamook, OR Learn more and apply here

Urban Incubator Farms at Watkins Park Help

I would be interested in having some UM Ag students come volunteer/Intern at my farm.

Please find below a volunteer/Intern form for the students to complete.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDPxEDxL_fakAHsdK73fKkC9OEZ_wgNQs8uAAeAdpk8681Bg/viewform?pli=1

Sexual Assault Awareness Crafts and Cookies

Please help us spread the word about Friday's kickoff event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM): Crafts & Cookies! 

Join us for Crafts & Cookies on March 31st from 2-4 PM in Studio A. Hang out and craft with other members of the UMD community to kickoff Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) on campus. We will be engaging in several mindful crafts, including painting, coloring, keychain & bracelet making, and origami. This is event is being hosted by the Sexual Assault Prevention Committee (SAPC), the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct (OCRSM), and CARE to Stop Violence. 

This is event is part of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) calendar of events in April. To view the full calendar of events for SAAM, please visit umd.edu/raise-your-voice. 

Extension Internship Applications Due Tonight!

 Applications are open for the 2023 Creating Leadership and Professional Development Through Extension Internships Program. The deadline is 11:59 pm (EST) Tuesday, March 28th. If you have students interested in a career in Extension or agriculture industries and want to learn more about Extension, applied research, and community outreach, while gaining professional development, leadership skills, job experience, and pay, please encourage them to apply. This internship is a great experiential learning opportunity for students seeking a degree or professional certification in agriculture, natural sciences, biological sciences, environmental education, and related programs. We prioritize students enrolled in a two-year program and sophomores and juniors enrolled in a four-year degree program. This is a paid internship!

White House Nursery Operations Grower

 Greenhouse Operations Grower:

White House Nursery is seeking an Operations Grower to join our tight knit greenhouse team.

This position will oversee the management of a small team. They will work with irrigation, pest and disease control, ordering, and overall care of crops along with lending help on other projects as needed. This position will coordinate with other teams, so a strong understanding of greenhouse needs, and clear communication is crucial. Prior greenhouse experience is required. About White House Nursery: White House Nursery is a family-owned farm that has existed for over a century. We are a 30- acre farm with 21 greenhouses located in beautiful, northern Baltimore County, Maryland. We also have a customer retail shop and an additional acre of outdoor growing space. Our nursery allows us to grow both traditional and unique plants with beauty and purpose. Our consumers consist of the local community and wholesale customers throughout Maryland.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- 35-40 hours per week

- Oversee growing and management of greenhouse staff

- Depending on the season, this position will manage anywhere from 3 to 7

employees, which includes the irrigation team and the production team from

planting to shipping

- Coordinate with the retail, office, and maintenance team

- Coordinate and create the schedule of crops

- Spring: annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, edibles, etc.

- Easter crops: lilies, hyacinths, tulips, annuals, hydrangeas, etc.

- Fall: mums, asters, marigolds, peppers/ kale. cabbage, edibles, etc.

- Holiday: poinsettias, cyclamen, Christmas cacti, calla, etc.

- Assorted houseplants

- Measure, identify, and remedy crop health like disease, Ph levels, EC, moisture levels,

nutrition, lighting, and pest management

- Apply bio beneficials or spray pesticides

- Apply fungicides and growth retardants

- This position will work on different duties based off need, this includes irrigation,

production, and maintenance

- Regarding maintenance, you must be able to repair water lines, greenhouse

structures like plastic replacement, repair growing benches, and other repairs.

- Ordering supplies as needed

- Maintaining relationships with vendors

Requirements:

- Honest, trustworthy, self-motivated as this position requires you to work efficiently on

assigned tasks independently or with little assistance

- One-year prior experience working in a greenhouse with growing experience.

- Must be able to walk through narrow walkways, crouch, bend, reach, lift and carry items

weighing up to 75 pounds

- This position is exposed to various weather conditions from rain to wind to cold and heat,

must have the ability to work in these situations.

- Reliable transportation, no public transportation available.

- Working some weekends will be required during the busy seasons of April, May,

September, and December

- Working flexible hours depending on daylight availability and weather conditions

Desirable skills and experience:

- We are open to providing some training to the right individual, but a minimum of one

year experience growing crops is desirable

- Experience managing a team as this position will work with different teams throughout

the farm

- Comfortability working with hand tools to maintain equipment

- Computer skills in communication and record keeping will be through Google

Workspace and Microsoft Office

Salary:

Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience based off of industry standards

Benefits:

- Sick hours (available for Full Time)

- Open to multifaceted training for the right candidate

- Open to starting Part Time and transitioning to Full Time

How to apply:

- Submit resume to info@whitehousenursery.com

- Provide three professional references

Master of Extension Education Information Session

 Are you interested in pursuing a Master of Extension Education? If so, join us via Zoom on April 20, 2023. The Master of Extension Education is a multi-disciplinary degree program with courses focused on the core principles of extension:

• Needs assessment
• Program development
• Program evaluation
• Social science research methodology

Students also select from a suite of supportive elective courses in a variety of extension specialty areas. Graduates from the Master of Extension Education degree program are prepared for dynamic careers in secondary and post-secondary education, non-profits, government, and leadership roles in enterprise. If you are interested but not able to attend, please let Dr. Welsh know, so that she may set up another time to discuss. Zoom RSVP is required.