Taking Career Exploration to New Heights
Applications now open for the 2025 Launch Fellowship.
Are you a rural, middle school counselor responsible for career exploration in the classroom? Are you looking for new ways to engage and inspire students and expand your professional network? We have an exciting opportunity for you!
We are now accepting applications for our 2025 Launch Fellowship.
Applications close Monday, January 20 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Who's this opportunity for?
To participate in this program, you must be: (1) currently employed as a School Counselor, (2) working in a rural, middle school in the United States, (3) responsible for the provision of career exploration activities at your middle school. Please note that we cannot accept individuals who are currently enrolled in counseling programs nor those who have the credential but are not actively working in the field.
Each Fellow Will Receive:
One-on-One Mentoring and Professional Development
Fellows will participate in regular mentorship meetings to build your career exploration skills with particular interest in food and agriculture.
$4,000 Stipend
Fellows will also receive a stipend to compensate for the time commitment.
$1,100 Budget for Curriculum Development Supplies
Financial assistance to take the skills you learned and implement them within the classroom.
Program Overview
Phase 1: Mentorship
March-May 2025
We’ll start the program with a series of mentorship meetings to lay the groundwork for the year. Fellows will each be assigned a mentor who they will meet with monthly via Zoom to discuss things such as their professional goals for the program. You will also be expected to attend at least one monthly group meeting via Zoom where you will receive professional development related to Career Exploration and Social Cognitive Career Theory. Fellows will learn about different careers in food and Agricultural Sciences. You will also gain knowledge in Social Cognitive Career Theory and innovative opportunities to engage in career exploration.
Meetings will be scheduled based on the availability of the Fellows and Mentors. We will make concerted efforts to accommodate busy schedules.
Phase 2: Week-Long Immersion Experience
June 2025
From June 22nd to June 28th, Fellows and Mentors will meet up for a week-long immersive experience in Ithaca, New York. There, they will be able to engage in hands-on learning in a variety of Food and Agricultural Science careers, as well as tour the local area. We tentatively plan to visit the Corning Museum of Glass, tour Cornell University, and complete a guided hike at Taughannock Falls. These are just some of the fun and educational activities that Fellows can anticipate participating in!
Phase 3: Bringing it to the Classroom
August-September 2025
This is where we'll put your new skills into action! We provide support in how to actionably apply the career exploration skills within the classroom. You’ll attend a virtual open house to discuss your fellowship experience with individuals who may be interested in participating in the Summer 2026 trip.
Let's Launch Together!
We're so excited to have you join our crew! Application are due Monday, January 20 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Selected individuals will be notified by Friday, February 21.
Have Additional Questions?
Contact Dr. Kristine Ramsay-Seaner
Applications close Monday, January 20 at 11:59 p.m. EST.