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About Terra Preta Fellows Program

The Name

Terra Preta (Dark Earth) is the name assigned to a nutrient earth developed by pre-Columbian Amazonian peoples that sustained the development of a civilization.This soil is believed to be a human construction to supplement the poor soils within the Amazon River Basin that generates new bio-matter at the rate of 1 centimeter per year.This development made intensive agriculture possible and is considered to be one of the greatest agriculture accomplishments by indigenous people in the Americas.

Background
The program was established in 2009 as part of the USDA/American Indian Higher Education Consortium Leadership Group’s efforts to advance USDA's relationship with participating 1994 Land-Grant Institutions. The program is designed to enhance the Fellows' professional growth while fostering workforce diversity and strengthening the Nation's capacity to provide high quality education and increased opportunities for American Indians/Alaska Natives. Selection
A review panel will screen applications and recommend candidates in priority order. Applicants will be selected on the basis of their interests and the needs of sending institutions and USDA. The fellowship period is 3 weeks (21 calendar days).

Expected Outcomes
Fellows, 1994 TCUs, USDA, and other Federal agencies will create a strong partnership that is connected and flexible in its response to American Indians/Alaska Natives and the needs of their communities.Participating Fellows are expected to return to their respective institutions, share networking information and expertise with colleagues, and through their experience, motivate other American Indian/Alaska Native students to pursue careers in agriculture, science, research, and technology.

The Fellowships

Education Fellowship:Education Fellows experience first-hand the education policymaking process and build linkages to research and funding opportunities. In addition to meeting with USDA personnel, Education Fellows connect with other Federal agencies and organizations such as the Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Education Fellows contribute and develop their skills in the following areas:

  • Student outreach and retention;
  • Career opportunities:internships, scholarships, full time employment;
  • Graduate programs;
  • Grants and funding opportunities;
  • Partnership development, and
  • Government relations.

Science Fellowship:Science Fellows collaborate with leading scientists from USDA, and learn about state-of-the-art agricultural research that solves problems affecting our Nation.Science Fellows are selected based on the needs and interests of 1994 TCUs and USDA.

Cost

USDA will furnish travel and per diem expenses (for lodging, meals, and incidentals) and daily commuting costs. The sending institution will continue to pay salary and benefits.

Staff Contact

For more information on the USDA Terra Preta Fellowship Program, contact Mr. Lawrence Shorty, Director USDA/1994 Program, at (202) 720-7265, or by email: Lawrence.Shorty@ascr.usda.gov.

 

Important Dates!

Important Dates

Application Deadline:
January 31, 2010

Deadline for Supporting Documentation (Letter of Reference/Statement of Institutional Support):
February 5, 2010

Fellowships are awarded:
March 2010

Orientation:
June 23 - June 30, 2010* in Washington, DC

*Average length of fellowship is 2-4 weeks, including one week orientation.