Register Now to Present at AGNR Discovery & Innovation Night 2024!

Join us on April 3, 2024 for the annual AGNR Discovery and Innovation Night! This signature event will bring together AGNR students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry professionals for an evening of connecting. This program will feature the student experience showcase: an opportunity for students to show off and highlight the impactful experiences they have taken advantage of outside of the classroom (think internships, study abroad, research, etc.). 

For more information on what participating as a presenter at the AGNR Discovery & Innovation Night will look like, check out this FAQ. Photos and a short video from 2023’s Discovery and Innovation Night can be found here.

Don’t think you want to participate in the showcase this year? That’s completely fine! Consider attending to see what other students have done and connect with alumni and employers to learn about more opportunities.

Student Registration: https://go.umd.edu/DINreg2024

Pitch Dingman 2022 Competition

Pitch Dingman Competition, the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship’s signature annual Shark Tank-style competition, provides the university’s most talented student entrepreneurs the opportunity to compete for seed funding and exclusive access to venture development resources. This year, the Dingman Center is offering more prize money than ever before and three competition tracks for University of Maryland students to compete.

After two virtual years, Pitch Dingman Competition 2022 is back in person at Stamp Grand Ballroom. Watch live as the top University of Maryland student entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of expert judges for a chance to win a part of over $75,000 in seed funding. Vote for your favorite startup and they could win $1,000! Be one of the first 200 guests in attendance to claim a free Pitch Dingman Competition t-shirt. Register here! 

Final Deadline 1/15 to Submit a Sustainability Fund Grant Proposal

If you have ideas on how to make our campus more sustainable, apply for a grant anywhere between $2,000 - $330,000 to help you launch your vision into reality! Any student, faculty, or staff at UMD can receive funding for initiatives and projects that benefit sustainability! Submit grant applications by the final deadline of January 15th, if you missed the priority deadline of October 15th. 

UMD Holiday Farmer's Market 12/8

Support local farms and businesses and shop for holiday gifts at UMD’s Holiday Market! The market will take place Wednesday, Dec 8th from 11am-3pm at Tawe’s Plaza. Visit the SustainableUMD Outreach table where you can make DIY natural holiday décor. Local vendors include coffee, baked goods, honey, wine, and more. At noon there will be a cooking demo with samples featuring rice crispies and warm cider! The campus weekly Farmer’s Market will be back on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. 

International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program with USDA and CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is recruiting a total of 9 fellows for an 8-month USDA International Agriculture Education fellowship in Uganda beginning Mid-January 2022. Fellows will help establish school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs. Participating Uganda schools receive classroom instruction, field demonstrations, entrepreneurship projects, and leadership development expertise provided by the fellows.

This USDA-funded fellowship offers:

• A small stipend with all expenses covered from January 2022- August 2022
• Funds for airfare, housing, food, visa, insurance, and travel vaccines
• Opportunity to experience agricultural education in an international development setting
• Strong oversight and security team based on strong networks developed over a 65-year presence
• An intentionally cultivated fellowship cohort to help ease transitions and share knowledge
• Opportunities for involvement with other CRS projects during semester breaks

More Information for application:

What?
The International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program (IAEFP) is a USDA funded program that provides opportunities for nine fellows to assist and support schools in Uganda to establish school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs. Participating schools receive classroom instruction, field demonstrations, entrepreneurship projects, and leadership development expertise provided by the fellows. IAEFP CRS is currently recruiting for its class of 9 Fellows to serve in the 2022 school year in Uganda for 8 months.

Who?
CRS is looking for motivated individuals with an interest in international agriculture development and education. Fellows will be a class of premiere individuals who strive to be leaders, coupled with a passion for agriculture. It is important our Fellows know the task ahead of them is not an easy one, but the rewards, personal growth, and experience of this opportunity will play a major role in their lives’ future success.

Desired fellow skills and expertise:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education/ Agricultural Science, Agribusiness/Agriculture Economics, or training in any agriculture related field.
• Official transcript of undergraduate and/or graduate degree prior to fellowship departure (this is required for visa purposes)
• Understanding of the US agriculture education system, membership with National FFA, NAAE or National 4-H council is a plus
• Experience with or interest in international travel and working across diverse cultures
• Experience in student teaching, classroom instruction internships or teacher certification is a plus.
• Excellent computer skills, youth training, and interpersonal skills
• US citizenship required

When? 

The application deadline is as soon as possible! Application due date December 17, 2021

How to Apply? 

If you are interested in the fellowship opportunity, or know someone who may be interested, please read more information in the scope of work and apply by emailing priyanka.subba@crs.org or learn more about this opportunity on the CRS IAEFP Webpage

Three Spring 2022 Courses Focused on Innovation

UMD’s Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is offering spring semester courses focused on innovation in multiple areas. These include IDEA247 – “Introduction to Peer Innovation Coaching,” which focuses on learning design thinking and how to coach others through the process; IDEA258A – “Becoming a Design Thinker,” which offers students a new specific design skill or mindset each week; and IDEA379A – “Design Your Purpose,” which helps students figure out what they want to do after they graduate. Register on Testudo if interested.

Winter Micro-Internships with UMD and Universitas 21

UMD is working with Universitas 21 (U21) to offer a free online, international micro-internship opportunity for students around the world in December 2021 and/or January 2022.

These two week micro-internships are thematically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations:

• December 3-17, 2021 
• SDG focus: Quality Education
• January 7-21, 2022 
• SDG focus: Gender Equity
• January 14-28, 2022 
• SDG focus: Climate Action

Over the two-week program you will be presented with an ongoing sustainability challenge from your host employer and work in groups (spanning 18 counties and 19 time zones) to innovate a solution and how to communicate this with senior stakeholders. The internships involve two 2.5 hour live online sessions at the start and end of the two-week program, with the rest of the project work undertaken flexibly, online around your other commitments.

This unique experience is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Applications close on Wednesday, November 17, 11:59 p.m. (ET). Click here for more information, and click here to Apply. *Note that for international students, internships must be related to your field of study.

PepsiCo pep+ Event - November 2 from 5-6pm

The following event, a collaboration between the Smith School of Business, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and PepsiCo, is a deep-dive presentation and discussion on a new initiative by PepsiCo, Pep+, that aims to create growth and value by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for the planet and people.

Positive agriculture, including regenerative practices, sustainably-sourced ingredients, and strengthened farmer livelihoods, is a key pillar of this initiative. You won't want to miss it! Details, including registration information, can be found below.

Join the Smith School’s Center for Social Value Creation and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in welcoming PepsiCo to campus on November 2nd from 5-6PM in VMH2333!

At this event, you will hear from PepsiCo team members and learn about PepsiCo’s latest sustainability initiative, pep+, and how it integrates into their business strategy.

You will also gain information on a case study that PepsiCo will be hosting at UMD.

Food and networking opportunities will be provided to attendees.

Register at ter.ps/peppositive

U21 Global Student Program Information Sessions

Meet and partner with students at other U21 universities! UMD is a member of the U21 network. Attend an information session between Oct. 26 and Nov. 16 to hear more about U21 Global Student programs, U21 Sustainable micro-internships, seed funding for projects, and the RISE Showcase & Awards!

Register below for the opportunity to meet other U21 university students interested in entering these programs and take part in an international, cross-university team for RISE.

U21 Global Student Information Sessions (use the links to register):

• Session One on Oct. 26 at 5 a.m. ET
• Session Two on Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. ET
• Session Three on Nov. 2 at 3 a.m. ET
• Session Four on Nov. 3 at noon ET
  

Apply for the UMD Sustainability Fund Grant

Sustainability Fund Grants ($2,000 - $330,000 per award)
The University Sustainability Fund provides funding for projects that:

• improve the environmental performance of campus operations by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing energy and/or water use, enhancing stormwater management, increasing biodiversity, minimizing waste, etc.:
• improve or create opportunities for UMD students to learn about and develop skills for sustainability; and/or
• involve research that would create substantial opportunities for student involvement and the outcomes of the research have practical implications for improving the environmental performance of campus operations.

The Fund is supported by undergraduate student fees and administered through a student-majority committee of the University Sustainability Council. More than 156 projects have received more than $3.2 million in Sustainability Fund grants since 2011.

Approximately $330,000 is available each fiscal year.
Next proposal deadline is October 15, 2021
Click here to apply

Mini-Grants ($1 - $2,000 per award)
Sustainability Mini Grants are intended to provide small grants (up to $2,000) to encourage the development or maintenance of projects or programs that improve the sustainability of the UMD campus and/or enhance opportunities for students to learn about sustainability issues. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to apply. The SGA Sustainability Committee will review applications as they are received and applicants will receive a funding decision within 30 days of submitting a complete application. A total of $10,000 is available each semester. Projects requesting more than $2,000 must apply through the University Sustainability Fund.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from September 1 to April 30 each year.
Click here to apply

Watch our Big Ten Network video and read about the grant recipients to learn more about the type of projects that have received funding in the past.

Who Can Apply for Funds?
Students, faculty, and staff of the University of Maryland community can apply for funds to support projects that will advance the sustainability of the College Park campus. Students who apply for funds can do so on behalf of a student organization or to fund their own projects, however, a student applicant must have a faculty or staff advisor for his/her project. Follow the guidelines on this website to submit your application.

Project Criteria
Available on the project application.

 
Process
Project applications are reviewed by the Sustainability Fund Review Committee of the University of Maryland Sustainability Council. The Committee submits its recommendations to the full Sustainability Council, which decides which projects to fund.

It is highly recommended you contact the Office of Sustainability in advance of the proposal deadline to talk through your proposal before you submit it. Projects cannot be funded if they are not supported by essential stakeholders. For instance, you cannot propose to construct a green roof unless you have approval from the facilities group (Facilities Management, Residential Facilities, etc.) that manages that building.

Green Terp Dialogue: Cultivating Sustainable Food Systems at UMD

Let’s talk about sustainable food systems! Why are sustainable food systems important for the well-being of people and the ecosystems we share with other species? Learn how to improve your impact on our food system through your daily habits, purchases, and choices. Discuss how UMD can create healthier and more sustainable food systems through campus dining, farming, and more!

For this month's Green Terp Dialogue Events you'll have the chance to talk to Allison Tjaden, UMD Dining Services Assistant Director, and one of the main leaders behind the sustainability initiatives such as the Community Learning Garden, Terp Farm, Maryland Farmers Market, Green Tidings Food Truck, Campus Pantry and many more initiatives!

Event Details

March 10th 12-1pm & March 23rd 5-6pm

Click here to register

Sustainable Food Systems Lecture Series

Agriculture Future of America Technology Institute

The AFA Technology Institute brings talented college students together for a three-day program in conjunction with the Commodity Classic. The itinerary will provide interaction between students and technology sector leaders; expose students to area businesses; and include discussion and training to enhance student career preparation. 

Students interested in attending the AFA Technology Institute are selected through an application process. Students are selected based on industry and leadership involvement, career goal and articulation of the benefit of the program to their career development.

To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

• Recommended 3.0 GPA or higher
• Undergraduate student status
• Age 17-25*
• Attending a four-year institution or articulate plans to obtain four-year degree
• Possess a passion for food and agriculture
• Plan to pursue a career in the food and agriculture industry
• Preference for selection will be given to new institute attendee

Applications are due December 2, 2020. Click here to apply. 

Smith Business Minor Program Virtual Tabling

The Smith Business Minor program will be hosting virtual tabling sessions for students who would like to explore the possibility of adding one of three Business minors to their academic portfolio. The format will be similar to open office hours.

Students interested are invited to come speak with the Smith Minor Admin Team and Student Ambassadors anytime from November 2nd-5th (times listed on flyer) to learn more and ask questions about the Smith Minor programs. Students interested should join here: http://go.umd.edu/SmithMinorInfo

If you have any questions, please email smithminors@umd.edu.

NASDA Foundation Remote Spring 2021 Internship

The NASDA Foundation is now accepting applications for their Spring 2021 internship program. They are seeking a highly motivated college student interested in learning more about ag policy and entrepreneurship for diverse audiences. The intern will support the Agriculture Policy Summit and the Women’s Farm to Food Accelerator.

• Internship will be remote. 
• Schedule is flexible and will be determined pending the intern’s availability.
• Internship runs from January-May 2021.
• Intern will receive a monthly stipend.

Duties: 

• Promote programs via social media and newsletter.
• Assist with program recruitment.
• Provide customer service to program participants.
• Identify and write program success stories.

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills and ability to prioritize work.
• Detailed oriented and able to provide excellent customer service.
• Interest in agriculture, policy, and entrepreneurship a plus.

To Apply:

• Submit a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 letters of reference to Dr. Lisa Benson at lisa.benson@nasda.org.
• Reference “NASDA Foundation Internship” in the subject line.
• Applications accepted until Nov. 15, 2020 at midnight EST

Questions? Email Dr. Lisa Benson at lisa.benson@nasda.org.

Your Virtual Presence/Building your Brand Workshop

Your digital footprint matters now more than ever. Gain practical strategies to build and maintain a strong professional online presence.

Your Virtual Presence/Building your Brand- Professional Preparation Workshop Series

• Tuesday, Oct. 27th, 2020
• 4:30pm-5:30pm
• Click here to RSVP

Registration in Careers4Terps is required for this event. The zoom link to access the workshop will be provided after registering.

For additional information about this event, contact Kenyatta Malloy, University Career Center & The President's Promise at kmalloy1@umd.edu

So you want to be an Entrepreneur! Webinar Event

Learn the latest tools for testing out your great idea for a business or non-profit. Don’t have a great idea? Then learn how to create one. Dr. Tilley, from the Environmental Science and Technology Department, will walk you through some of the newest tools for testing and creating ideas that sell and that people want. This will be an interactive workshop so come prepared to participate. You will learn about empathy mapping, customer discovery, design thinking and the business model canvas. 

The meeting will be held on October 19th at 4:00pm. Register in advance using this link: https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtf-mhqzgsHNGSaG-mCZR7mbb_A7FP5bR9 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

Smith Business Minor Program Information Sessions

The Smith Business Minor program will be hosting two upcoming information sessions for students who would like to explore the possibility of adding one of three Business minors to their academic portfolio. 

Students interested in General Business or the Innovation & Entrepreneurship minors should attend the information session on Thursday, October 1st at 6pm. While those interested in Business Analytics should attend the Tuesday, October 6th session at 6 pm.

Students interested should RSVP here: go.umd.edu/smithminorFA20info 

Questions? Email smithminors@umd.edu.

Lemelson - MIT Student Prize

The Lemelson-MIT Student Prize honors promising collegiate inventors around the country. 

The Student Prize is open to teams of undergraduate students and individual graduate students who have technology-based inventions in categories that represent significant sectors of the economy: healthcare, food/water and agriculture, transportation and mobility, and consumer devices and products.

Initial Application Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2020 at 11:59pm ET

The 2021 Student Prize application is now open. All updated details about the 2021 eligibility requirements and application process are listed at https://lemelson.mit.edu/studentprize

EcoFellowship Program

The EcoFellowship Program is a one-year paid, fully benefited fellowship position to work with Center for EcoTechnology (CET) staff and other EcoFellows to carry out a range of activities related to climate action initiatives and educational programming. CET works with partners throughout the country to address climate change by transforming the way we live and work – for a better community, economy, and environment. EcoFellows support the CET’s initiatives to assist residents, students, institutions and businesses across the region in ongoing programs in energy efficiency, home energy services, renewable energy, and waste reduction through recycling, reuse and composting. Fellows are based in CET’s Northampton, Massachusetts location. For more information and to apply, click here.