Rural communities needed for university program

The University of Nebraska is seeking 100 communities for its Rural Fellows program

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

A university is looking for several rural communities to welcome students for a a fellowship program.

The University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources needs 100 rural communities across the state to host 200 students for its Rural Fellows program in 2021.

Since 2013 the school has matched students up with rural communities for 10-week stays during the summer.

The program is open to first-year college students through graduate students at any college in Nebraska.

For 2021, the internships will take place between mid-May through late July.

Once in those communities, students participate in local projects including tourism initiatives, workforce development and childhood education.

“The Rural Fellows program, through the student interns, connects the research of (university) faculty to rural Nebraska communities,” Helen Fagan, program coordinator, said in a statement. “At the same time, the program gives participating students a close-up view of the leadership and innovation taking place in rural communities across the state, as well as deep, personal ties across Nebraska.”

For 2021, the university is offering financial assistance for participating communities.

Up to $100,000 in grant funding is available for communities. Each community is eligible to receive up to $2,000 per student, and one community typically welcomes a pair of rural fellows.

Interested students and communities have until Dec. 31 to apply.

Farms.com has contacted Fagan for comment on the Rural Fellows program.