Applications for the 2025 USDA Wallace-Carver Fellowship are due by December 1, 2024!
The prestigious Wallace-Carver Fellowship offers exceptional college and graduate students the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned scientists and policymakers through paid fellowships at leading USDA research centers and offices across the United States. Fellows take part in ground-breaking field and laboratory-based research, analyze agriculture and economic policy; and assist in the management of food, nutrition and rural development programs.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Any student who has participated in a World Food Prize Youth Program, is a U.S. Citizen, and is currently registered full-time college student (undergraduate or graduate) OR a high school senior who will be enrolled in college in Fall 2025.
TIMEFRAME: The Wallace-Carver Fellowship will take place June - August 2025. The timeline for candidate review and selection is outlined below:
- December 1, 2024: Applications are due.
- January 3, 2025: Applicants notified of their application status.
- January 6 - 15, 2025: Interview with the World Food Prize Foundation, held virtually.
- February 1, 2025: Candidates notified of their selection.
- February - March, 2025: USDA interview, placement matching and background check process.
- April - May, 2025: Final job offers extended and placements confirmed.
- June 2, 2025: Expected fellowship start date.
- June 2 - August 8, 2025: Fellowship timeframe.
FELLOWSHIP EXPECTATIONS: This is a full-time paid fellowship (40 hours per week) and requires an 8-week minimum work commitment. Wallace-Carver Fellows are hired as federal employees of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are paid on the federal government's General Schedule. Fellows are responsible for any relocation and housing costs associated with working in-person at their fellowship site.
Wallace-Carver Fellows are expected to participate in, and present at, the World Food Prize Foundation Global Youth Institute and Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in October 2025 as a core component of the experience.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all of the required materials listed below are submitted in their application in order to be considered for a 2025 Wallace-Carver Fellowship:
1. Cover Letter
The selection committee and USDA will see this, so ensure that you address your specific experiences, skills, and strengths that relate to the kind of work you'd like to do, and describe why you want to be a Fellow and why you would be a good fit. BE SUCCINCT (like your resume, keep it to one page) and DON'T REPEAT (a cover letter should go beyond your resume, not repeat what it already written there).
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
The selection committee and USDA will see this, so ensure that your resume or CV is updated and includes relevant work experience, school and community involvement, leadership activities, and relevant research/projects. Try to limit your resume to one page.
3. Transcript
Upload a copy of your most recent academic transcript. An unofficial version is acceptable. A PDF of the transcript is preferred, but you can also upload a scan of the printed transcript or take a screenshot of the digitally displayed transcript. (Note: If you are a freshman in college and you do not have grades for the first semester, please still upload your college unofficial transcript.)
A downloadable copy of the application form is available HERE for your reference as you prepare your answers and materials, but you must complete the 2025 online application form to be considered for the fellowship. All application materials must be uploaded together to complete and submit your application form online.
Questions? Contact: Renee Cooper at RCOOPER@WORLDFOODPRIZE.ORG