CEFS Agroecology Scholars Program in Research and Extension (ASPIRE)
for Undergraduate Students

Learn about sustainable agriculture and community food systems from a broad systems perspective, while receiving close mentorship and access to hands-on, cutting edge research and professional development training. Join us for a 10-week individualized summer research and extension experience, including a week-long tour of diverse agroecosystems across North Carolina. Participants receive a $5,000 stipend, apartment-style housing on the NC State campus, and the opportunity for post-summer travel to a scientific meeting. No previous research or extension experience necessary.

Internship Dates: May 18-July 24, 2026

The application deadline is January 30, 2026. We accept applications until midnight.

Global climate change, food security challenges, and environmental concerns are complex food system challenges that require innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to agricultural research and education. The CEFS Agroecology Scholars Program in Research and Extension (ASPIRE) prepares undergraduates with the technical skills to meet these challenges of the future, as well as an understanding of the impacts of agriculture on the environment and communities.

Overview

The ASPIRE program will provide participants with research, education, extension and professional development opportunities focused on sustainable agriculture and food systems. Students will work with their faculty and graduate student mentors on research for 4 days each week, and will meet as a group 1.5 days/week to participate in professional skills development and agriculture career path exploration and extension training.

What you will experience:

• Introductory Farm and Food Systems Tour: Students will explore North Carolina’s agricultural landscapes and food system through multiple tours across the state. We will meet farmers, visit research stations, food hubs, and see sustainable food systems in action.
• Hands on Research: Interns will work alongside NC State faculty and graduate student mentors on innovative research projects addressing climate change, soil health, food security, and sustainable agriculture and food systems. Each student gains approximately 300 hours of guided research experience and presents their findings at NC State’s Undergraduate Research Symposium.
• Extension in Action: Discover how Cooperative Extension connects communities and science. All students will participate in integrated education and agricultural extension-related group activities.
• Professional and Leadership Development: All students will participate in a variety of weekly professional development activities, as well as meetings with local businesses and non-profits that support sustainable agriculture and food systems work. These professional development activities include: discussions on the research process, scientific communication, leadership training, understanding agriculture career pathways, and networking opportunities.
• Mentorship and Networking: Each intern is supported by a team of mentors, faculty, graduate students, and the program coordinator, who provide individualized guidance and help students explore pathways in research, education, and agricultural careers.

Why Join ASPIRE?

• $5,000 stipend + housing at NC State’s Wolf Village Apartments
• Travel across North Carolina during farm tours
• Economic support after the internship to present at a professional conference
• Collaborative, inclusive community of students and mentors
• No prior research or extension experience required

Background of CEFS

CEFS envisions a future of vibrant farms, resilient ecosystems, strong communities, healthy people, and thriving local economies. CEFS is one of the nation’s most important centers for research, extension, and education in sustainable agriculture and community-based food systems. It is recognized as a national and international leader in the local foods movement, and celebrated for its work in building consensus around policies, programs and actions that facilitate a vibrant local food economy.

CEFS was born from the shared conviction that a land-grant-university-based research, education, and extension program focused on organic and sustainable agriculture could have a significant and essential impact in North Carolina.

This internship program is supported by: 1) The Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates program, [grant no. 2024-68018-42434], from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture.