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Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) National Program

The USDA Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program (HSINP) acts as a positive, dynamic, and innovative driving force at USDA in support of educational program delivery that leads to a competitive workforce reflective of the needs of a diverse population. Consistent with the USDA/HACU Leadership Group's Strategic Plan, the HSINP, through its team of Regional Directors, promotes USDA services, missions, and opportunities, establishing targeted partnerships with Hispanic-Serving Institutions and other public and private entities in a manner that supports the agricultural industry in the 21st century. The HSINP is committed to help close the professional achievement gap of Hispanic-Americans through the successful execution of the: E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program, the USDA Junior Agricultural Ambassadors Program, the Future Scientists Program, and the HACU National Internship Program

2017 E.Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program
Application cycle open

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Advocacy and Outreach, Hispanic-
Serving Institutions National Program, E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program offers faculty and
staff from Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) the opportunity to work collaboratively with USDA to
gain insight and understanding of the federal government. This uniquely tailored experience brings to
gether HSI staff and federal executives to address the spectrum of challenges facing the Hispanic co
mmunity. Applicants must be faculty or staff at a Hispanic-Serving
Institution or Hispanic-Serving School District to qualify.

Available Fellowships:

Education Fellowship and High School Education Fellowship:

Education Fellowships are for faculty and staff at HSIs. High School Fellowships are for Secondary Ed
ucation superintendents, principals, agricultural and/or district level teachers working for a Hispanic-
Serving School District. Participants attend a two-week program in Washington, DC.

Science Fellowship:

Science Fellowships are for science faculty at HSIs. Science fellows collaborate with leading scientists
from USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Participants attend a one-week mandatory orienta
tion in Washington, DC, in addition to collaborating with an ARS Research Center within the country
for two weeks.

Application Requirements:

Completed Application Form: Handwritten applications will not be accepted, please complete electronically.

Essay:A statement describing your interest in the USDA and how you envision the fellowship will impact you, your institution’s program, and your work with your institution and its community. Finally, describe how you plan to share information acquired during your fellowship with colleagues, students and other interested individuals.

Resume:Submit a three to four page resume, including educational and professional accomplishments

Letter of Reference:Please provide a Letter of Reference from someone capable of detailing your work and how this fellowship would stand to benefit you and the institution. This should be submitted directly by your reference. It is your responsibility to notify the designated individual of the need to supply this reference and to ensure that they do so before the application’s deadline.

Statement of Institutional Support: A statement provided by your Institution's President stating their commitment to pay salary and benefits during your participation in this program. This letter should briefly establish that the institution supports your participation in this fellowship and, if applicable, intends to continue those salary and benefits, which would typically be provided during the fellowship period. This should be submitted directly by the individual designated to supply it. It is your responsibility to notify the designated individual of the need to supply this statement and to ensure that they do so before the application’s deadline.

Signed Application Certification Form: Submitted with your application form, essay, and resume.

Important Dates: Application Cycle:

November 14, 2016 - January 31, 2017 (all materials must be received by this date)

Fellowships are awarded:

April 2017

Travel to Washington, DC:

June 17/18,2017

Education and High School Fellowships:

June 19 – June 30, 2017

Science Fellowship:

June 19 – July 7, 2017

For detailed application instructions, specific qualifications, and application forms, please review the associated forms and instructions accessible on this website.

Applications should be submitted to . For questions, you may also contact Dan Wueste, Fellowship Program Manager, at 202-720-6506 or via email: