What is the RI Agriculture and Food System Fellows Program?
A paid work experience for students interested in food system-related careers. Selected students work on real-world agricultural and food system-related projects alongside industry professionals who serve as mentors.  Students work with their mentor for a minimum of 400 paid hours. Fellows also receive in-depth professional development training, connections to industry-wide networking opportunities, food system-related industry training, and Extension engagement experience through a 4-H Youth Development Program-led practicum working with school-age youth. Want to be notified of important announcements? Join our mailing list!

Who should apply?
Motivated undergraduate students on track to graduate in December 2026 or May 2026 at CCRI or URI:

• With an interest in local food production, processing and distribution, nutrition and public health, food justice and equity, food policy, business and entrepreneurship and/or sustainability within the food system;
• Willing to commit to meeting program requirements;
• Enrolled in any academic major through December of the program year. Note: Seniors interested in participating must defer graduation to December of the program year. 

How do CCRI students apply?
Students must be signed into Handshake to access the application.
CCRI students, click here to learn how to create a Handshake account and here to learn how to obtain your CCRI unofficial transcript.

Is this opportunity recommended for students planning to transfer from CCRI to URI?
YES! This fellowship is designed to provide a pathway to success for CCRI students to transition smoothly to URI. Participating in the fellowship program will allow you to get to know other students in the fellowship cohort, as well as faculty, staff and campus resources at URI. 

What is a year in the life of an AFS Fellow like?
The program begins in January and ends in December. In the spring semester, fellows enroll in a 3-credit professional development course and meet their mentors.  In the summer, fellows work full-time, in-person, with their mentor and participate in weekly, in-person industry trainings.  In fall semester, fellows enroll in a 3-credit science communication course, continue working with their mentor for 5-10 hours/week and participate in a youth education practicum.  

Where do students work when they become AFS Fellows?
Students are placed with food industry mentors based on their skills and interests.  Mentor organizations include agencies, businesses and institutions working in community food system policy, innovative practices for food production and nutrition and food safety. Thanks to our mentors in 2023 and 2024 which included;