USDA NextGen Undergraduate Research & Engagement Internship Program

CIATDRT – UREIP | Undergraduate Research

About the Program

The Center for International Agricultural Trade Development Research and Training (CIATDRT) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) NextGen Undergraduate Research and Engagement Internship Program (UREIP) provide undergraduate students with structured, faculty-mentored research and experiential learning opportunities that strengthen knowledge, skills, and career readiness in food, agriculture, natural resources, and related fields.

The program is designed to develop the next generation of agricultural professionals by providing students with meaningful hands-on experiences that integrate classroom learning with research, applied problem solving, workforce development, leadership development, and professional engagement. Through participation in internship activities, students gain practical experience, build technical and professional competencies, explore career pathways, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their preparation for graduate education and careers within USDA mission areas.

Internships are conducted under the guidance of faculty mentors and may involve basic research, applied research, experiential learning, entrepreneurship, community engagement, international agriculture, project management, or other scholarly and professional activities that contribute to student learning and workforce preparation.

Eligible Internship Areas

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Agricultural Sciences
Food Science and Food Safety
Soil and Water Sciences
Biological Systems Engineering
Biotechnology and Agricultural Innovation
Natural Resources, Ecology, and Conservation

Business, Development & Global Agriculture

Agribusiness, Entrepreneurship, and Agricultural Enterprise Development
Agricultural Economics and Policy
Agricultural Marketing and Supply Chain Management
Community, Rural, and Economic Development
International Agriculture, Trade, and Development
Global Food Systems and Food Security

Education, Leadership & Engagement

Workforce Development and Career Readiness
Experiential Education and Applied Learning
Leadership Development and Youth Engagement
Extension, Outreach, and Stakeholder Engagement
Program Planning, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment
International Project Management and Capacity Building
Interdisciplinary Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences

Learn More About the Program

Want to learn more about program eligibility, internship structure, student support, responsibilities, assessment, selection criteria, and program requirements?

VIEW FULL PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Participation Process – How to Apply

FOR FACULTY

Faculty members interested in serving as mentors in the USDA NextGen UREIP must submit a Project Concept Paper for review and consideration. The Concept Paper describes the proposed project, student learning objectives, internship work plan, mentoring approach, anticipated outcomes, assessment plan, and proposed budget.

For complete requirements, see Section 8.1 of the Program Overview.

FOR STUDENTS

Undergraduate students interested in participating in the USDA NextGen UREIP must apply to an approved faculty-led project. Students may be recruited by participating faculty mentors or may express interest in approved projects that align with their academic background, career interests, and professional development goals.

For eligibility, required application materials, and application requirements, see Section 8.2 of the Program Overview.

see Section 8.1 of the Program Overview.