Climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation are complex food system challenges that require innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to agricultural research and education. In addition to attracting and training more students to food system and agricultural careers, there is a critical need for targeted recruitment of under-represented groups. To meet the demand for skilled professionals and increase minority participation in the agricultural workforce, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) has been developing new internship programs that reflect the changing career paths, as well as diverse interests and needs of students. Over the past five years, CEFS has strategically redesigned and expanded our student internship opportunities. In 2023, CEFS hosted 5 different student internship programs with 37 students with opportunities that ranged from summer research intensives to remote year round opportunities where students worked with food based community nonprofits. Key aspects of all of our internship programs include paid work opportunities, experiential learning, mentorship, professional development opportunities and cohort based learning. All student participants participated in pre- and post tests designed to collect program evaluation, participant knowledge and skills gains, as well as participants' intended career choices. Over the past three years, more than 50% of all program participants were from underrepresented minority groups. Additionally, 54% of interns reported that program participation led to a career pursuit in agriculture or food systems. Short term follow up studies to date show the majority of participants are either working in agriculture or food systems or completing additional studies in a related field. By engaging these diverse undergraduate students in hands-on, agriculture and food system research and extension opportunities while providing structured professional development training, we have increased underrepresented student interest and capacity to pursue careers in agriculture and food systems.
