Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are accredited, degree-granting public or private nonprofit colleges and universities where at least 25 percent of full-time-equivalent undergraduate students are Hispanic. There are more than 600 HSIs nationwide. The Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program is committed to supporting a 21st-century agricultural industry. Working with HSIs and other public and private partners, the program provides professional development, workforce development, and exposure opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.
The U.S. Department of Education determines HSI designation. Check your school's eligibility.
| If you are… | Program | What you get | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| An undergraduate or graduate student | HACU National Internship Program | Paid internship at USDA in Washington, D.C., or a field office | Spring, summer, and fall sessions |
| HSI faculty, staff, or administrator; or an educator in a Hispanic-Serving School District | E. Kika de la Garza Fellowship | One to two weeks working with USDA agencies and scientists | 2027 dates will be posted here |
HACU National Internship Program
In partnership with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), USDA provides high-quality, paid internship experiences for students from Hispanic-Serving Institutions and other colleges and universities. Interns work at USDA offices in Washington, D.C., and at field offices across the United States. Through this partnership, USDA has placed more than 3,000 interns since 1994.
Through targeted recruitment and professional development, the program:
- Promotes the study of agriculture, food, natural resources, science, engineering, health, and related disciplines
- Introduces students to the wide range of careers in the federal government
- Helps USDA meet its future workforce needs
| Session | Dates |
|---|---|
| Spring | January – April |
| Summer | May – August |
| Fall | Early September – late December |
Students are selected based on academic performance, leadership, and community service. HACU manages recruitment and selection.
E. Kika de la Garza Fellowship Program
For faculty, staff, and administrators at HSIs and Hispanic-Serving School Districts. Spend a week in Washington, D.C., meeting with USDA leaders; science fellows add a second week at a USDA research facility.
Deadline, tracks, and how to apply
Find an HSI liaison
USDA liaisons serve as key USDA representatives in communities across America. They advise and assist students, faculty, and colleges and universities on USDA programs and initiatives. Find the liaison for your region, or contact the HSI program manager. If your school isn't listed, contact Julio C. Puentes, HSI Program Manager.
Julio C. Puentes
Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program Manager
(773) 633-8822
Julio.Puentes@usda.gov
- West: 2 liaisons
University Location Liaison Phone Email California State University, Fresno Fresno, CA Juan M. Alvarez (559) 240-0692 Juan.Alvarez@usda.gov Imperial Valley College Imperial, CA Roberto González Jr. (760) 756-8088 Roberto.Gonzalez@usda.gov - Texas & Southwest: 1 liaison
University Location Liaison Phone Email University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TX Ruby De La Garza (956) 929-3619 Ruby.Delagarza@usda.gov - Midwest: 1 liaison
University Location Liaison Phone Email Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL Julio C. Puentes (acting) (773) 633-8822 Julio.Puentes@usda.gov - Northeast: 1 liaison
University Location Liaison Phone Email LaGuardia Community College, CUNY Long Island City, NY Position vacant. Contact Julio C. Puentes, HSI Program Manager (773) 633-8822 Julio.Puentes@usda.gov
Partnerships
- Cooperative agreements
USDA agencies support HSI students, staff, and faculty through cooperative agreements. Learn how by watching the recorded Symposium on Federal Programs and Resources for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
- USDA–HACU Leadership Group
The USDA–Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Leadership Group serves as an advisory body that provides guidance and direction to USDA on matters of mutual benefit relating to USDA–HACU partnership initiatives. The partnership provides a cooperative framework for a USDA agenda with HSIs and Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs) focused on promoting agriculture, food and environmental sciences, and other agriculture-related careers for their students.
Membership consists of an equal number of members from USDA and HACU-member institutions, and the group makes recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and the President of HACU. The Secretary appoints a USDA co-chair and USDA members. The President of HACU nominates a HACU co-chair and HACU members for the Secretary's approval.
- Resources and success stories
Resources
- NIFA Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACU)
- White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics
Success stories
Questions?
Contact Julio C. Puentes, Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program Manager, at Julio.Puentes@usda.gov or (773) 633-8822, or find an HSI liaison near you.
