SARE Fellows Program Eligibility and Application

Eligibility

  • Agricultural professionals working in outreach programs focused on farmer and rancher education. 
  • Must have an interest in learning about sustainable agriculture systems across the US and applying what you learn with your agricultural community.
  • Applicants must live and work in the United States or its protectorates. We cannot accept applications from international partners. 
  • This program is not open to undergraduate, graduate students or post docs.

Applicants who meet these criteria may be elevated by reviewers in the final ranking

  • Agricultural professionals are considered to be individuals who assist farmers or ranchers as part of their work - including but not limited to Cooperative Extension professionals, university and college professionals, non-profit professionals, and others. It is important that selected Fellows work in the area of sustainable agriculture and directly engage farmers and ranchers in educational activities as a component to their jobs.
  • Early career professionals (10 years or less).
  • Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) through serving, centering leadership by, or otherwise engaging historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

Program Expectations

  1. Long-distance travel (air and ground) will be required by participants of this program. 
  2. Multiple overnight stays are required by participants of this program. 
  3. Program activities may include intensive days that extend beyond working hours.
  4. Collaboration and travel in groups is required.
  5. Attendance at four national study tours from 2024 to 2025 is required.
  6. Fellows are expected to attend and lead an educational session at the NACAA Professional Improvement Conference in summer of 2026. Locations vary. 
  7. SARE leadership and tour hosts will strive to accommodate specific requests to the best of our ability, but may be limited by program resources.

Application Process

Applications are closed for 2023 and are expected to reopen next spring. 

Two letters of reference are required from each applicant. Email letters to assoc_dir@sare.org. Please include Last Name - SARE Fellows Letters in the subject line of your email

In addition to the two letters of reference, each applicant must also submit a note from their supervisor that gives them permission, if selected, to take time away from work to participate in the program (approximately 2 weeks per year; spring/fall). The supervisor may also serve as a reference, in which case their permission may be included in the same letter. If you are responsible for managing your own time without supervision, you may state that in your message. Email letters to assoc_dir@sare.orgPlease include Last Name - SARE Fellows Letters in the subject line of your email

You may be contacted by the final review committee with follow up questions.

Support provided by: USDA National SARE Program. The availability of this program will be dependent upon the consent of USDA SARE and the availability of funds.