Woman in a hydroponic grow house, wearing scientific laboratory style clothing

Growing Gardens, Growing Minds Fellowship

Cultivate your future in sustainable agriculture and ecosystems

Apply today

Cultivate your future in sustainable agriculture and ecosystems

The Growing Gardens, Growing Minds Fellowship is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build professional skills, and make a lasting impact on food and agricultural sciences. This prestigious program, funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, strengthens Hispanic-Serving Institutions such as ASU, empowering students to shape the future of food, agriculture, and natural resource management.

Selected fellows receive personalized faculty mentorship, professional development, and financial support to advance their careers in urban sustainable systems. This program aligns with ASU’s Charter, emphasizing inclusivity, public value, and responsibility for community well-being.
If you're ready to take the next step in sustainable systems, this fellowship is for you.

Exclusive benefits for fellows

One-on-one mentorship with a faculty member.
Participation in the yearlong CISA Emerging Professionals program.
Up to $2,000 in funding for research or conference travel.
$2,500 stipend to support your academic journey.

Who should apply?

U.S. citizens or nationals with a GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Full-time ASU students majoring in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (CISA) or the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Juniors in fall 2025 (minimum 60 credit hours completed).
Passionate about urban sustainable systems, such as sustainable food, agriculture or natural resource management.
Committed to ASU’s Charter and bringing new perspectives to urban sustainability.

Application requirements

All application materials must be submitted by April 1, 2025

A personal statement (500-750 words) addressing:
- How your background and experiences bring new perspectives to urban sustainable ecosystems.
- How this fellowship will help you achieve your career goals in sustainable agriculture or urban ecosystem management.
Unofficial transcript with GPA.
Résumé or CV highlighting leadership, community service and relevant coursework.
One letter of recommendation from a professor, instructor or advisor.

Apply today

Instructions for recommenders

Address letters of recommendation to the Growing Gardens, Growing Minds Fellowship Committee. Please email letters to Heather Bateman: heather.l.bateman@asu.edu. PDF documents are preferred. Recommendations should include how the recommender knows the applicant, an evaluation of the applicant’s potential in sustainable agriculture or urban ecosystem management, and a description of how the applicant contributes to ASU’s Charter.

Woman wearing a hat holding a little toad and smiling

Apply today — don’t miss your chance

Apply today

Learn more about the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Learn more about the CISA Emerging Professional Program.
For more information, email Professor Heather Bateman at heather.l.bateman@asu.edu.