USDA Signs Agreement with Agriculture Future of America to Prepare Young People for Careers in Agriculture
Government
USDA and AFA will continue to collaborate on leadership development efforts, and link these young leaders with career opportunities in food, agricultural science, natural resources, and related fields.
Under the MOU, USDA commits to advancing opportunities for AFA delegates to participate in USDA programs, including internships. AFA will provide occasions for USDA to meet with AFA delegates to share information about these opportunities.
The MOU will be administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), which develops and maintains partnerships focused on solutions to challenges facing rural and underserved communities and connects those communities to the education, tools, and resources available to them through USDA programs and initiatives.
AFA builds bridges for young leaders to foster engagement and innovation in food and agriculture through premier leader and career development experiences.
With program participation increasing 28% in the last five years, AFA has provided 26,000 leader development experiences to college leaders and young professionals from more than 200 colleges and universities throughout 43 states since its inception in 1996. AFA has awarded more than $11 million in academic and leader development scholarships.