Marco Antonio Alcantar Alvarez, a rising sophomore at California State University majoring in graphic design, was one of 14 students selected for an internship over the summer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) High School Equivalency Program (HEP)/College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). Established in 2023 with eight interns, this year’s intern cohort has nearly doubled in size.
USDA partners with the National HEP/CAMP Association to offer a 10-week internship in Washington, D.C. to students from farmworker or migrant backgrounds. Interns are assigned to various USDA agencies to obtain work experience that aligns with their educational goals as well as discover career opportunities with USDA and the federal government.
Marco was in disbelief that he was going to be interning with the USDA in Washington, D.C. Traveling across the country, arriving at USDA headquarters was initially an intimidating experience, however, he quickly became at ease by his USDA colleagues and the mission he was serving. “Being surrounded by amiable and open-minded interns and USDA employees who are dedicated to bettering their community has inspired me to do the same for mine,” he said.
Marco interned with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Deputy Chief of Staff Perry Rainosek. The internship aligned with Marco’s future career goals as he designed logos for ARS’s Inform and Engage program along with backgrounds for agency webinars. He also created agency survey forms, updated internal websites, and completed various administrative assignments. “It’s fulfilling to do what I love and have it displayed for others to see,” said Marco. His favorite project was designing material for National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Marco is eager to take home the lessons he has gained during his time at USDA. “The most important thing I want to take away is the value of networking, building connections, sharing your ideas, and overall making yourself recognizable,” he said.
He has been offered to continue to intern with ARS though the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities internship program this fall. Thrilled by the opportunity, he is as motivated as ever to embrace this upcoming challenge while continuing his full-time studies.
