Programs
CAFE (Careers in Ag and Food Exploration)
Discover the Many Paths to a Career in Agriculture
Agriculture is more than farming. It’s a diverse industry filled with opportunities to solve problems, drive innovation, and make a difference.
The CAFE Student Workshop introduces undergraduate students from 1890 land-grant universities to the many career pathways available across food and agriculture through immersive learning, professional development, and connections with industry leaders.
A fully funded leadership and career exploration program for undergraduate students at 1890 land-grant institutions.
Our Supporters
Program Overview
Explore Agriculture Beyond the Classroom
Many students are passionate about making a difference but don’t realize the breadth of careers available across food and agriculture.
The CAFE (Careers in Ag and Food Exploration) Student Workshop helps undergraduate students explore those possibilities while building the knowledge, confidence, and professional skills needed to pursue them.
Participants take part in virtual learning sessions and a two-day, hands-on workshop at one of the esteemed 1890 Land-Grant Institutions featuring farm visits, agribusiness tours, professional development, and networking with leaders across agriculture.
Whether students are interested in policy, research, business, Extension, international agriculture, or production agriculture, CAFE helps them better understand where they can make an impact.
-
Explore Career Opportunities
Discover the wide variety of careers available across agriculture, food systems, research, business, government, and nonprofit organizations.
-
Learn From Industry Professionals
Engage with leaders who share their career journeys, experiences, and advice for entering the agricultural workforce.
-
Build Confidence for What's Next
Strengthen professional skills, expand your network, and prepare for internships, graduate school, or your first career opportunity.
Why It Matters
Agriculture Needs More Diverse Leaders—and More Students Who See Themselves in the Industry
The food and agriculture sector offers countless opportunities to build meaningful careers, yet many students are unaware of the wide range of paths available beyond what they experience in the classroom.
CAFE helps change that by introducing students to leaders across agriculture and providing firsthand exposure to the industry’s many career opportunities.
The goal isn’t simply to introduce careers—it’s to help students envision themselves as the next generation of agricultural leaders.
-
Career Exploration Creates Opportunity
When students understand the many ways they can contribute to agriculture, they're better prepared to pursue careers that strengthen the future of our food system.
-
Mission Connection
CAFE reflects Farm Foundation's commitment to developing future leaders by expanding access, creating meaningful learning experiences, and helping students build the relationships and confidence needed to pursue careers in agriculture.
Who It's For
Is CAFE Right for You?
CAFE is designed for undergraduate students at 1890 land-grant institutions who want to explore careers in food and agriculture while building professional skills and expanding their networks.
-
Audience Profile
- Undergraduate students attending an 1890 land-grant university
- Students interested in food, agriculture, natural resources, or related fields
- Emerging leaders exploring career opportunities
- Students considering graduate education or careers in agriculture
-
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled at a participating 1890 land-grant institution
- Interest in careers in food and agriculture
- Able to participate in all virtual sessions and the in-person workshop
- Selected through the program application process
-
Ideal Participants
- Curious about the many careers in agriculture
- Open to learning from diverse perspectives
- Interested in building professional skills
- Excited to network with peers and industry leaders
- Motivated to explore future career opportunities
The Leadership Journey
What to Expect
CAFE combines interactive learning, professional development, and hands-on experiences that help students better understand agriculture while preparing for future careers.
The CAFE Experience
-
1
Learn
Participate in virtual sessions exploring agricultural policy, Extension and research, international agriculture, supply chains, agribusiness, and career opportunities.
-
2
Experience
Travel to an 1890 land-grant institution for a two-day immersive workshop featuring farm visits, agribusiness tours, networking, and interactive learning.
-
3
Launch
Leave with stronger professional skills, meaningful industry connections, and greater confidence in pursuing your future career.
Learning Experiences
-
Agricultural policy and government
-
Extension and research
-
International agriculture
-
Agribusiness and supply chains
-
Professional development and career readiness
-
Leadership and networking
Participants Leave With
- A broader understanding of careers across agriculture
- Greater confidence pursuing internships, graduate school, or employment
- Stronger professional and networking skills
- Connections with peers, faculty, and industry professionals
- A clearer vision for their future career
Testimonials
Leadership That Changes Lives
Every Farm Foundation leadership program is built around people—their experiences, their growth, and the impact they create long after the program ends.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who can apply?
CAFE is open to undergraduate students attending participating 1890 land-grant institutions.
-
What does the program cost?
Nothing. The program is fully funded, including travel, lodging, and program expenses.
-
What topics will we explore?
Agricultural policy, research, Extension, international agriculture, agribusiness, supply chains, leadership, and career development.
-
Do I have to attend every session?
Yes. Participants are expected to attend all virtual sessions and the in-person workshop.
-
How many students are selected each year?
10–15 students are selected.
-
Where have past in-person CAFE workshops been held?
2024: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
2025: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
2026: Tuskegee University
-
Who supports this program?
CAFE is supported by USDA NextGen through the SAPLINGS initiative, led by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in partnership with seven 1890 land-grant universities.
Contact
Get In Touch
"*" indicates required fields
