Plant Protection Today: USDA’s Native American-Serving Institutions Internship Program

Mentor and student intern stand together at sunset to discuss the day

Student Interns Sample Safeguarding Agriculture and a Career in Federal Service

By Sharon Lucik

This year USDA’s Native American-Serving Institutions Internship (NASI) Program (10.68 MB), successfully placed 11 student interns within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). That was good news for APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) staff in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC. It meant two NASI interns from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke would join their teams. PPQ safeguards our nation's crops and forests against the entry, establishment, and spread of economically and environmentally significant pests. That work helps U.S. agriculture thrive—across the country and around the world.

“Maggie Bonnette and Erika Rivera are great interns and have made significant contributions to our mission,” said APHIS’ Officer and intern mentor Chad Colbert. “They’ve pitched in by taking on pest detection surveys, processing samples, assisting with export commodity inspections, and creating outreach materials.”

Each year the NASI program selects students from several Tribal Colleges and Universities and other Native American-Serving Institutions and offers them a paid, 8-week summer position with programs willing and capable of hosting. It’s a chance for students to get valuable, first-hand experience in day-to-day APHIS work, as well as insights into public service and working for a Federal agency.

“The NASI program is a tremendous opportunity for us and the interns we host,” said APHIS Supervisory Officer and intern mentor Brandon Giles. “The agency covers all travel and associated housing costs, and our staff does the rest. We embed the interns into our work unit, provide training and direction, and then watch them thrive.”

This is Bonnette’s second year as an intern in the Wilmington office and she brings a new perspective to her experience. “Being a returning intern allows me to compare and really delve into the details about potential careers,” she said. “I feel supported in my interests and professional development. The staff always includes me in opportunities that align with my ideals and future goals. The most satisfying aspect of this internship, however, is knowing that I’m helping my colleagues, learning about what they do, and exploring my own interests.”

Colbert is an APHIS champion and that’s what drives him. He sees the collaboration as a win-win situation. “Generation Z is entering the workforce and it’s important to get their perspective so we can be competitive and hire solid and diverse talent. By hosting interns, we plant a seed and show them they can find their future with us,” he said.

“Chad’s right and that’s why we continue to host student interns,” said APHIS’ State Plant Health Director Joe Beckwith. “I work in the Raleigh office, and I’m also a Gen Z parent so I see the benefits from both sides. It’s truly a great program.”

The NASI internship is just one of many USDA career opportunities available to high school and college students each year. To learn more, visit APHIS Careers.

APHIS is a multifaceted agency with a broad mission to protect the health and value of American agriculture and natural resources. APHIS programs and services touch the lives of all Americans and many people around the world every day.

APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.