University students interested in working with farming communities and gaining professional experience can apply to a new edition of Into the Fields, a paid internship program offered by the organization Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF).
The initiative lasts ten weeks during the summer and allows participants to collaborate with organizations that provide services to farm workers and their families in the southeastern United States.
In addition to receiving financial aid of $4,250 and free accommodation, students participate in training activities, receive professional mentoring, and have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the experiences and needs of farming communities.
Applications for the summer 2027 session are now open. The priority application deadline is December 11, 2026, while the final deadline is January 11, 2027. Interested applicants can find the requirements and apply on the official website of [website/organization name]. Into the Fields.
What does the Into the Fields program consist of?
Into the Fields seeks to connect university students with organizations that work directly with farming communities.
For ten weeks, participants collaborate on community projects and receive training to develop professional skills, strengthen their leadership, and better understand the living and working conditions of those who sustain agricultural production.
“What makes the program special is the combination of hands-on experience, relationship building, and leadership development. Students learn directly from farmworkers and gain a deeper understanding of the people whose work is the backbone of our food system,” he told Enlace Latino NC Johanne Laboy, Program Director of Student Action with Farmworkers.
According to Laboy, the experience also allows students to establish professional and personal connections that can be maintained after the internship ends.
The organization has a network of alumni that offers learning and professional development opportunities. Many of them remain connected as friends and colleagues after the summer.
What tasks do students perform during internships?
The activities depend on the organization to which each student is assigned and the needs of the community.
Interns can participate in outreach initiatives, educational programs, and access to services. defense of rightsresearch and communication.
For example, some collaborate to connect farm workers with Health serviceslegal assistance or educational programs for their families.
“I believe that, regardless of the organization they are assigned to, building respectful relationships is fundamental. Our interns listen, learn from community members, and contribute to work guided by the experiences, priorities, and needs of farmworkers,” she told Enlace Latino NC Kétlye Gurrola, coordinator of the Into the Fields program.
All participants are also part of a documentary project with agricultural workers or with a popular theater group.
In addition, SAF organizes three training sessions during the summer, offers mentoring, and promotes exchange spaces among students.
An experience that goes beyond professional work
For those who have already participated in Into the Fields, one of the most significant aspects of the program is the opportunity to to meet the farm workers personally and learn from their experiences.
Valeria Ontiveros, one of the former participants, especially highlighted the conversations she had with the workers during her internship.
“The conversations I had with the farmworkers will stay with me for a long time. They are so much more than their work in the fields,” Ontiveros said in a testimony shared by SAF with Enlace Latino NC .
The young woman also emphasized that the learning experience was mutual. Although she was able to provide services that the workers appreciated, she believes that each encounter allowed her to learn from their stories.
Another participant, Catalina Rodríguez, recalled her experience in community vigils to honor agricultural workers who had died from heat-related illnesses.
“The vigils were a meaningful experience because we were able to mourn the loss of the lives of farmworkers who had suffered from heat-related illnesses, and we were able to see the support of the community,” Rodríguez said.
The student highlighted the participation of people from different religions and the importance of listening to the workers themselves talk about their working conditions.
Who can apply? Is it necessary to speak Spanish?
The program is aimed at university students aged 18 and over who have an interest in the problems faced by farm workers, community work, and social justice.
Candidates must be available to participate for the full ten weeks and be committed to both the activities of the host organization and the SAF training.
No prior experience working with farming communities is necessary.
The organization is especially looking to recruit students from families involved in agricultural work, although it also receives applications from young people with other experiences and interests.
Regarding language, applicants are preferred to have an upper-intermediate or advanced level of Spanish. However, there are sometimes a limited number of opportunities for those who do not speak Spanish.
Laboy encouraged interested students to consider applying, even if they are not yet sure if the program is right for them.
“You don’t have to be an expert on the issues facing farmworkers. The program can help you connect your area of study or interest with everyday experiences, develop practical skills, and better understand how you want to contribute,” she explained.
The director added that the application and interview process itself allows candidates to learn more about the initiative and assess whether it meets their interests.
How much money do participants receive, and what other benefits does the program offer?
The selected students receive financial aid of $4,250 to cover expenses associated with their participation in the program.
In addition, Into the Fields offers the following benefits:
- Free accommodation during the internship.
- Accommodation and meals during the three training sessions.
- Mentoring and support throughout the program.
- An additional $400 travel allowance is intended for out-of-state students from farmworker families who need to relocate to North Carolina.
The mandatory training sessions will take place from June 2nd to 5th, July 8th to 9th, and August 5th to 7th, 2027.
How to apply to Into the Fields for summer 2027?
The registration process is now open and includes two important dates:
- December 11, 2026: priority deadline for submitting applications.
- January 11, 2027: final deadline to apply.
As Gurrola explained, the selection process considers each candidate's interests, experiences, skills, and language proficiency, as well as their compatibility with the opportunities available in the participating organizations.
Selected students will receive notification no later than March 8, 2027.
Subsequently, on March 20, the first virtual meeting of the group of participants will take place.
For those seeking to gain professional experience and, at the same time, get involved in community initiatives, Into the Fields offers the opportunity to learn firsthand about the reality of agricultural workers and to contribute to the work of the organizations that support their families.
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