Through Into the Fields SAF develops the leadership of college students from diverse academic backgrounds, and prepares them to work alongside farmworkers and farmworker-serving organizations in the Carolinas. Each year, students train on issues affecting farmworkers and complete full-time summer internships with migrant education programs, legal aid offices, rural health clinics, community-based organizations, and farmworker unions. SAF interns increase the capacity of the organizations they work with by conducting outreach to over 3,000 farmworkers & their families each summer.
Duration: 10 weeks (June 2 - August 7)
Priority Deadline: December 11, 2027
Final Deadline: January 11, 2027
Applications open October 9, 2026.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply to Into the Fields if you are a current college student (including community college), a recent college graduate (within 2 years), or planning to return to college or taking a gap year.
Priority applications:
Preference will be given to applicants who can answer "yes" to at least one of the following statements:
- I speak Spanish at a high-intermediate or advanced level. Spanish proficiency is preferred, although sometimes a limited number of placements may be available for applicants who do not speak Spanish.
- I am a college student from a farmworker family
- I currently attend college in the Southeastern U.S.
- I consider the Southeast my home. I grew up there; my parents still live there.
- I own a car. (SAF strongly preferences all non-farmworker students to have reliable cars they can use for the summer. When possible, we pair students without cars together with students who do have cars to share transportation during the summer. In addition to needing a car for their work obligations, interns need it to drive to/from work, grocery store, attend the 3 SAF trainings, and to conduct their documentary or theater projects.)
Benefits
- $4250 Program Expense stipend
- Rent-free housing
- Room and board at 3 training retreats
- Mentorship
- Out-of-state students from farmworker families will receive a $400 traveling stipend to assist travel to North Carolina
Expectations
- Fundraise $800 to support SAF's mission (accepted students will receive fundraising training and support)
- Complete 35-40 hours of work per week at your assigned internship site
- Participate in the entire program from June 2 - August 7, 2027
- Write three guided writings or blog assignments
- Complete a documentary or theater project
- Be willing to drive or travel long distances to trainings and conduct outreach to farmworkers (1-4 hrs/day, 2-5 days/week)
Important dates
- October 9Application opens
- December 11Priority deadline
- December 12Applicant interviews (rolling after priority deadline)
- January 11Final deadline
- By March 8Students notified of selection
- March 20First cohort meeting (virtual)
- June 22-5Orientation Retreat
- July 8-9Mid Retreat
- August 5-7Final Retreat
Contact
Testimonial
Although my placement was different from what I originally expected, it challenged me to grow in ways I never imagined. I leave this experience with new skills, greater confidence, lifelong relationships, and a much deeper appreciation for the power of community organizing and education."
