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Welcome to the online application system!
Click here for information on the USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program and application procedures.
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Important: Please note the Fellowship Program Dates on the right (under Important Dates) and use this guide when specifying your start and end dates on your application. Dates outside of the specified range for the fellowship type to which you are applying will not be accepted.
Education Fellowships last for 2-3 Weeks. The first week is a fully structured agenda introducing the fellow to USDA. The second week has a small level of flexibility worked into it, with scheduled meetings at other Federal Departments and openings for fellows to schedule their own meetings. The third week is open for fellows to schedule their own meetings and follow-up opportunities. Applicants must specify their desired departure date on their applications. Fellows may depart at either the conclusion of the second week or at any time beyond the middle of the third week. Week one provides all fellows with insight into each of USDA’s agencies. Week two expands to other Federal Departments and allows some flexible time for fellows to schedule their own meetings. The third weeks agenda is kept open, allowing Education fellows an opportunity to schedule their own meetings and follow-up opportunities to ensure participants depart Washington, DC with an array of contacts and a firm sense for how to schedule and coordinate future visits on behalf of their institutions.
High School Fellowships last for 2 Weeks. The first week is a fully structured agenda introducing the fellow to USDA. While the second week has a small level of flexibility worked into it, with scheduled meetings at other Federal Departments and openings for fellows to schedule their own meetings. To apply, High School Fellowship Applicants should select the High School fellowship on their application and then fill in their respective High School's name (and not that of a College or University). Week one provides all fellows with insight into each of USDA’s agencies. Week two expands to other Federal Departments and allows some flexible time for fellows to schedule their own meetings.
Science Fellowships involve one and a half weeks in Washington, DC, followed by 2-4 weeks at a USDA research location. Fellows spend their time in Washington, DC participating along with the Education and High School Fellows, before then heading out to a research location.
Executive Fellowships last for 1-3 weeks depending on the needs and availability of the selected applicant. Executive fellows take part in a dynamic and tailored experience designed to provide connections and knowledge useful to the operation of their institutions. This fellowship is intended for HSI College/University Administrators (ex. Presidents, Chancellors).
Note: While fellowship end dates vary between fellowship types, all fellows will travel to Washington, DC on the weekend of June 23/24, to begin orientation together at USDA on June 25.
Important Dates
Application Opens:
November 16, 2011
Application Deadline:
January 30, 2012
Deadline for Supporting Documentation (Letter of Reference/Statement of Institutional Support):
February 1, 2012
Fellowships are awarded:
March 2012
Travel to Washington, DC:
June 23/24, 2012
Program Begins:
June 25, 2012
Education Fellowship:
June 25 - July 13, 2012 (Mandatory Orientation June 25-July 6, Fellow may select departure date of not earlier than July 7 or during flexible third week, through July 13, depending on the fellow's interests and plans.)
High School (Education) Fellowship:
June 25 - July 6, 2012 (Departure on July 7)
Science Fellowship:
June 25 - August 3, 2012 (Mandatory Orientation in Washington, DC June 25-July 5. Fellow will then be placed at Research Lab for between 2-4 additional weeks, depending on interests and plans of fellow. Latest possible end date for lab posting is August 3.)
Executive Fellowship:
June 25 - July 13, 2012 (Fellow can select between 1-3 weeks for their program.)
