Allegheny Mountain Institute believes in the power of food to build vibrant, healthy communities.
That's why AMI's tuition-free Fellowship fully sponsors, trains, and empowers Fellows to become teachers and advocates for a food system that is socially, environmentally, and economically just. Selected Fellows spend six months in experiential, residential Farm and Food Study at AMI’s Allegheny Farm Campus, followed by a Community Action Year, applying their training in partnership with regional non-profit organizations.
The AMI Fellowship builds strong leaders who successfully work to transform the food system. AMI alumni go on to work as farmers, educators, scientists, food entrepreneurs, designers, non-profit leaders, policymakers, and lifelong leaders in the food movement.
Applications for the 2021-2022 Fellowship have closed.
Email us to get a reminder when next year's application opens!
Scholarship
While AMI offers a tuition-free and paid Fellowship, additional financial responsibilities can prevent individuals from participating. AMI is now offering a scholarship intended to offset personal expenses incurred during the Farm and Food Study for those with demonstrated financial need. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color applicants are given preference in recognition of the ways systemic racism causes the active exclusion of BIPOC individuals from farming education, land access, and wealth-building opportunities. Learn more here.
Farm and Food STUDY
May 17 - October 27, 2021
Community Action Year
January 10 - December 16, 2022
Starting in January of the following year, Fellows are paid to put their training into action through a year of immersive farm and food work with AMI and community partners in Highland and Augusta Counties, VA. Depending on their placement, work during the Community Action Year may include:
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Supporting farm-to-hospital integration and innovative health care practices
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Supporting farm-to-school projects and managing school gardens
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Advocating for the connections between food and health
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Teaching gardening or farming skills to children or adults
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Growing diversified crops on a market-style farm
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Supporting farmers markets and direct-to-consumer programs
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Coordinating food for donation and food access programs
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Mentoring the next cohort of Fellows
As part of their Community Action Year, Community Fellows meet each month for peer support and professional development, participate in a workshop or field trip, and contribute to workdays rotating between each of the partner organizations. All Community Fellows are supported with monthly one-on-one mentoring. As the Community Action Year draws to a close, the curriculum supports Fellows to develop and prepare for post-Fellowship goals.
During the Community Action Year, Fellows are paid an hourly wage of $10 per hour (subject to payroll taxes) and are paid bi-weekly. In every position, Fellows participate in at least 8 hours per week of farm or garden work to gain a second season of experience. Fellows work 40 hours per week and occasional evening and weekend commitments are required. Health insurance benefits, Workers’ Compensation, 10 days of paid time off, and 1 day of wellness leave per month are provided.