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AIHEC/USDA/NRCS Student Internship Program

American Indian Higher Education

Foundation Annual Grants for Native AmericansWorkforce Development GrantsEnvironmental Conservation GrantsAgriculture Grants

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle
Annual
Tracked since
April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Overview

AIHEC/USDA/NRCS Student Internship Program

Funder: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Program Type: Student Internship Program

Geographic Scope: United States (approximately 30 work positions identified throughout the US, with efforts to identify locations close to applicants' respective TCUs and communities)

Program Description:
An internship program established to strengthen the long-term partnership between NRCS and Tribal Colleges & Universities (TCUs) by increasing the number of students studying, graduating, and pursuing careers in natural resources, conservation, and other related fields of study.

Position Details:

  • Positions available: Soil conservation and engineering trainees

  • Approximately 30 work positions identified throughout the US

  • Positions can be structured as summers only and/or part-time throughout the year

    • Compensation & Benefits:

  • Paid internships to the NRCS throughout academic degree program

  • Housing allowance provided if students cannot work from their home location

    • Career Pathways:

  • After the internship, interns are eligible to apply for permanent appointments with the NRCS

    • Focus Areas:

  • Natural resources conservation

  • Engineering

  • Environmental conservation

  • Related natural resources fields

    • Contact Information:

  • Environmental Programs Coordinator: Lisa Vandever

  • Email: lvandever@aihec.org

  • Phone: 928-225-8802

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Applicants should contact the Environmental Programs Coordinator with interest in the program.

    Required Information:

  • Academic degree program enrollment status

  • Academic major/field of study

  • Geographic location/home location preferences

    • Next Steps:

  • AIHEC works to identify internship locations close to applicants' respective TCUs and communities

  • Application portal available through the program website

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    What American Indian Higher Education actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

    Grants in 2025
    37
    Total given
    $4.03M
    Median grant
    $48K
    Range
    $9,750–$535K
    • By dollars: New Mexico 25%, North Dakota 24%, Minnesota 19%. Top recipient cities: Fort Yates, ND; Bismarck, ND; Crownpoint, NM.
    • 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
    • 38% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

    Example grants

    • United Tribes Technical College · Bismarck, ND

      Fi&r funding

      $535K

    • Navajo Technical University · Crownpoint, NM

      Fi&r funding

      $535K

    • Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College · Cloquet, MN

      Fi&r funding

      $467K

    • Institute of American Indian Arts (Iaia) · Santa Fe, NM

      Fi&r funding

      $457K

    • University of North Dakota · Grand Forks, ND

      Hhs innovative programs to enhance research training ii

      $268K

    IRS Form 990, 2025. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    native-americansworkforce-developmentenvironmental-conservationagriculture

    Categories

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    Grants for Native AmericansWorkforce Development GrantsEnvironmental Conservation GrantsAgriculture Grants

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