Agriculture and Food Systems Fellows Program
2027 Applications Open Summer 2026
Earn course credit and get paid to work with professionals to strengthen the local food system! Open URI undergraduate students of all majors!
Click here to be notified when applications open for the 2027 program.
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 500 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 (for URI students only)!
Who should apply?
Motivated students on track to graduate in December 2027 or May 2027 at 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.
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 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 past mentors which included;
