Join the Next Generation of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health Professionals

The UConn CAHNR Fellows Program prepares students beginning their academic careers at the Stamford and
Waterbury regional campuses for high-potential careers that help our communities. Increase your knowledge, competency, and access to opportunities
through this pathway for underrepresented students to gain awareness and access into the fields of food, agriculture, nutrition, and health.

Full Tuition

Up to 4 years to those who qualify

Hands-On Experience

Through low/no-cost experiential learning opportunities

Career Development

Help to secure a career in any of the related fields

Inclusive, Supportive Environment

Personalized academic support, mentoring, and cultural engagement

Resources for CAHNR Fellows Students

APPLICATION FOR 2024-2025

Deadline: June 15th 2024

Eligibility:

    1. Incoming freshman at UConn Waterbury or UConn Stamford (matriculated or application in process acceptable)
    2. Have a major in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources
    3. Interest in a career in the domains of food, health, urban agriculture, and natural resources, with a particular focus on opportunities within the federal sector, including the United States Department of Agriculture.
    4. Willingness to participate in 1 to 2, 1-credit courses per semester on academic success, career readiness, personal/leadership development, and exposure to relevant topics, a mentoring program, and regular cohort meetings
    5. Program will last 4 years and students must maintain a major in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources
    6. Those who are interested in a non-clinical/non-professional degree will be prioritized.
    7. Tuition support will be prioritized for first-generation students, and those with financial need. However, any student on these campuses interested in a relevant field may be eligible to participate without tuition support.

If eligible, candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted for further consideration.

This program is exclusively for admitted beginning at freshman level UConn students. Please ensure you have completed the UConn application before submitting this form.

      Program Objectives

      Building the Next-Gen Workforce
      Our goal is to equip our cohort to become the future skilled workforce in the Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences (FANH) sectors, including prospective roles within the USDA. This preparation is facilitated through opportunities to explore the processes and pathways that lead to training and employment in the federal sector.

      Experiential learning opportunities
      By partnering with a diverse range of non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, government institutions, and our extension programs we offer valuable work experiences that can expand students' skills and prepare them for future careers. Engaging in these service-learning and research internships not only benefits the local community but also allows fellows to apply their academic knowledge in real-world contexts.

      Career Readiness Courses
      Throughout the four years, students are required to take 1 credit seminar courses specifically designed for CAHNR Fellows. The curriculum will incorporate cutting-edge training in skills such as leadership, team science, mentoring, project management, and science communication. These skills are highly valued by employers and are known to improve productivity and foster creativity.

      Community
      We aim to instill a strong sense of enthusiasm among students for applying their program experiences to their communities, promoting positive change in the fields of food, agriculture, natural resources and health. Our commitment to community-oriented learning is evident in our dedication to addressing societal challenges in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human services.

      Inclusive, Supportive Environment
      The program offer comprehensive support for students, including personalized academic guidance, mentorship programs, and opportunities for cultural enrichment. We are dedicated to empowering our students academically, personally, and culturally, preparing them for success in both their studies and their future careers.

      Related Fields

      • Allied Health Sciences
      • Diagnostic Genetic Sciences
      • Dietetics
      • Medical Laboratory Science
      • Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
      • Nutritional Science
      • Pathobiology
      • Animal Science
      • Natural Resources
      • Landscape Architecture
      • Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems
      • Exercise Science
      • Agriculture and Natural Resources
      • Environmental Sciences