NextGen Program
The UCSC NextGen program uplifts the next generation of agroecology professionals through internships, technical training, career coaching, and research opportunities. The program is funded by the US Department of Agriculture and aims to engage, train, and support students to become food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences professionals.
Supporting Undergraduates by Promoting Education, Research, Diversity, & Agricultural Resilience (SUPERDAR)
Students participate in a research project related to sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and food systems. Activities include data collection and analysis, report-writing, academic literature review, workshops, field trips, and peer-to-peer exchanges, all with the goal of preparing students for employment in sustainable agriculture and related fields. Students dedicate 100 hours each quarter and 300 hours in summer. Scholarships vary depending on the financial aid package (up to $2,000 per quarter and $6,400 per summer). Each year SUPERDAR activities begin in summer and continue year-round.
Program Contact: Stacy Philpott, Center for Agroecology Faculty Director: sphilpot@ucsc.edu.
Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences (FANH) Scholarships
Students engage in projects, field trips, and workshops related to agroecology and food systems. FANH scholarship activities help prepare students for careers in a variety of professional fields related to agriculture and food system transformation. Students dedicate 100 hours per quarter and complete a FANH-related project. Scholarships vary depending on financial aid package (up to $6,600 per year). Each year FANH activities begin in fall and continue through the academic year.
Program Contact: Ximena Moura, Agroecology Program Specialist: xmoura@ucsc.edu.
CIDER (CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research) Drone Pilots in Training & Mentoring Program
Students engage in practical flight training as they work toward successful completion of the FAA commercial drone pilot license exam. The program takes place over 16 weeks during Winter and Spring Quarters, meeting for 4 hours each week both in the classroom and flight practice. Student stipends vary depending on financial aid package (up to $1,200). $175 award to cover the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot exam also included. Find more information about the CIDER Drone Pilots in Training & Mentoring Program.
Program Contact: Becca Fenwick, CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research Director: rfenwick@ucsc.edu.
Agency Internships
Students participate in a summer internship with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Extension Centers. With the support of an agency mentor, students explore innovative research methods and projects that address agricultural and natural resource challenges. Students dedicate 300 hours during the summer. Scholarships vary depending on financial aid package (up to $6,600).
Program Contact: Stacy Philpott, Center for Agroecology Faculty Director: sphilpot@ucsc.edu.
Agroecology Career Coaching
Explore internship and career opportunities related to food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. Receive support in searching for jobs and internships, resume-building, interview skills, and graduate school applications. Open to all majors!
Program Contact: Kimmy Gal, Career Services Specialist: kgal@ucsc.edu.
The NextGen program is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s NextGen Program (Award #2023-70508-40532).