E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program
2026 USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program: Now Accepting Applications
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The USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program strengthens educational partnerships with faculty, staff, and administrators from Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Hispanic-Serving School Districts (HSSDs) by collaborating with USDA to gain more insight and understanding of the federal government.
Through the fellowship, participants meet directly with USDA agencies to learn about opportunities that are available for their respective institutions and their students. To qualify, applicants must be a faculty, staff, or administrator employed at a Hispanic-Serving Institution or Hispanic-Serving School District.
Note: The U.S. Department of Education determines whether an institution is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. See a list of eligible Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
- Education Fellowships are for faculty, staff, and administrators employed by Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Education Fellows participate in a one-week Washington, DC-based program.
- High School Education Fellowships are for secondary education superintendents, principals, agricultural and/or district level teachers working for a Hispanic-Serving school district. Fellows participate in a one-week Washington, DC-based program.
- Science Fellowships are for science faculty employed by Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Science fellows collaborate with leading scientists from USDA. Participants attend the one-week Washington, DC-based program, and subsequently spend an additional week at a USDA Research Facility.
Application Requirements:
- Completed Web-based Application Form
- Essay: A statement describing your interest in USDA programs and how you envision the fellowship will impact you, your institution and your community. Also, describe how you plan to share information acquired during your fellowship with colleagues, students, and other interested individuals.
- Resume: Submit a maximum four-page resume, including both educational and professional accomplishments.
Important Dates
- Application Available: February 24, 2026
- Recording: 2026 USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Application Webinar - March 4, 2026
- Application Deadline: March 23, 2026 (all materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. PDT on this date)
- Fellowships are awarded: May 2026
- Travel to Washington, DC: July 12, 2026
Program Dates
- Education and High School Fellowships: July 13 – July 17, 2026
- Science Fellowship: July 13 – July 24, 2026
Learn more about last year’s 2025 E. Kika De La Garza Fellows (PDF, 577 KB)!
