USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) celebrates the achievements and contributions of the Hispanic community who are helping advance scientific innovation and creating the next generation of leaders in support of our Nation’s food and agricultural system.
To support minority-serving colleges and universities, NIFA invests in Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSI) aiming to attract and prepare students for enhancing our nation's food and agricultural scientific and professional workforce.
NIFA HSI Research Spotlights
Puerto Rico Natural Resources Career Tracks: The Puerto Rico Natural Resources Career Track (PRNRCT) is a collaboration among four HSIs in Puerto Rico and USDA. Through research, outreach, and exchange programs, the PRNRCT program enhances USDA Forest Service’s workforce by providing career-track opportunities for Hispanic students in critical natural resource fields to manage our natural resources.
3eX-Ag at Texas State University: 3eX-Ag addresses positions underrepresented students majoring in agricultural sciences at Texas State University for academic and professional success. Despite pandemic challenges, the program has served several researchers as they completed original research projects. Students involved in 3eX-Ag represent first-generation college students and/or economically disadvantaged populations.
The “Caminos: Thesis Competition” Program supports cutting-edge discoveries from research laboratories to farms, classrooms, and communities. This program served 61 fellows from schools across nine states. Between published manuscripts, conference presentations, enrollments in PhD programs, and employment in federal service, the program was a huge success in preparing young Hispanic scholars for careers in food and agricultural sciences.
Learn more about NIFA’s HSI partners who collaborate with NIFA to address critical issues related to agriculture, food, the environment, and communities. Follow NIFA’s Twitter and LinkedIn pages as we highlight more programs and outstanding individuals!