The 2026 CAFE Student Workshop Cohort

These 15 students have been selected to attend the Farm Foundation CAFE (Careers in Ag and Food Exploration) Student Workshop, a program designed to expand their understanding of the food and agricultural sector and introduce them to a wide range of career pathways. Participants will engage in five virtual sessions followed by an in-person workshop at Tuskegee University on May 27–28, 2026, where they will take part in hands-on learning experiences, site visits to local farms and agribusinesses, and networking opportunities with industry professionals and peers.

About The Farm Foundation CAFE Student Workshop

The CAFE (Careers in Ag and Food Exploration) Student Workshop provides undergraduate students from 1890 land-grant institutions an opportunity to enhance their understanding of the food and agricultural sector and explore the wide range of career pathways available.

Students will participate in five virtual sessions and travel to an in-person workshop hosted at Tuskegee University on May 27–28, 2026. The program covers topics such as agricultural policy and government, extension and research, international agriculture (globalization and representation), supply chain and business, and diverse career paths in agriculture.

Beyond building knowledge, CAFE helps students develop professional skills, prepare for the job market or graduate education, and expand their professional networks. Sessions include goal setting, career preparation tips, panel discussions with professionals in agriculture and food, and visits to local farms and agricultural businesses. Students will also have multiple opportunities to network with peers and guest speakers throughout the program.

What Participants Will Do

– Attend five virtual sessions and one in-person workshop
– Engage in interactive sessions on agriculture policy, extension and research, international agriculture, supply chain, business, and career pathways
– Participate in professional development activities including goal setting and career readiness
– Network with industry professionals, peers, and guest speakers
– Visit local farms and agricultural businesses

Program Timeline and Details

Virtual Sessions: Wednesdays, 6-7:30 PM CST

- April 15 – Session #1
– April 29 – Session #2
- May 13 – Session #3
– June 10 – Session #4
– June 24 – Session #5

– May 27–28, 2026 at Tuskegee University
– Travel: Fly in May 26, fly out May 29 (All expenses covered)

How Is This Program Funded?

This program is supported by USDA NextGen through the System Approach to Promote Learning and Innovation for the Next Generations (SAPLINGS) initiative.
Led by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, SAPLINGS brings together seven 1890 land-grant universities to increase participation of underrepresented minority students in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH).

Through a comprehensive model of outreach, education, research, and extension, SAPLINGS aims to build sustained interest in agriculture careers, strengthen institutional capacity, and increase diversity within the skilled food and agriculture workforce to address critical national needs.

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