The Borel Global Fellows Program at Iowa State University is a prestigious initiative designed to cultivate global leaders and enhance their understanding of international agriculture, economics, and policy. The program is named after Dr. William G. Borel, a renowned agricultural economist and advocate for international development.
Thanks to a generous gift from ISU alumni Jim (’78 agricultural business) and Marcia (’78 family environment) Borel, the Borel Global Fellows Program was launched in 2018. The Borel Global Fellows Program supports students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue graduate studies at Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The program seeks to help eradicate food and nutrition insecurity while promoting wealth and health for subsistence farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa by educating scientists at Iowa State University who will become knowledge leaders that reside and work in Sub-Saharan Africa.
It typically selects exceptional graduate students with a passion for global issues, particularly those related to agriculture, food security, economics, and policy. The program aims to provide these fellows with a comprehensive understanding of global challenges and opportunities in agriculture while equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to address these issues effectively.
Fellows in the Borel program engage in a variety of activities, including research projects, seminars, workshops, and field experiences, both domestically and internationally. They have opportunities to collaborate with experts, policymakers, and organizations involved in global agriculture and related fields.
The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging fellows to explore the intersection of agriculture, economics, policy, and international development. This multidisciplinary approach equips them to analyze complex global issues from various perspectives and develop innovative solutions.
Through the Borel Global Fellows Program, Iowa State University aims to foster a new generation of leaders equipped to tackle the complexities of global agriculture and contribute positively to addressing pressing global challenges related to food security, sustainability, and economic development.
At the heart of ISU’s ethos is a dedication to fostering a vibrant learning environment that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The university offers an extensive range of academic programs across eight colleges, covering fields such as agriculture and life sciences, engineering, business, liberal arts and sciences, design, veterinary medicine, and more.
Research plays a pivotal role at ISU, with the university being a hub for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements. From agricultural innovations that impact global food security to cutting-edge developments in science, technology, and sustainability, ISU’s research initiatives consistently push the boundaries of knowledge and make a tangible impact on society.
The campus itself is a hub of activity and diversity, housing a rich tapestry of students from various backgrounds and cultures. Beyond academics, ISU provides a vibrant student life experience with numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations catering to diverse interests. This holistic approach to education fosters well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the complexities of the modern world.
Additionally, ISU takes pride in its extension and outreach programs, connecting its expertise and resources with communities throughout Iowa and beyond. These initiatives facilitate partnerships, knowledge sharing, and practical solutions to address real-world challenges, contributing to economic development, community engagement, and the overall well-being of the region.
Eligibility Criteria For The Iowa State University Borel Global Fellows Program
All faculty members with a majority appointment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University may submit an application for partial graduate student funding. To be considered for the Borel Global Fellows Program, the student must:
- be admitted into a graduate program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
- commit to completing graduate studies as a means for preparation of a career contributing to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
- complete the majority of their graduate research in Sub-Saharan Africa
- demonstrate an intention to work and live in Sub-Saharan Africa after completing their graduate studies
Funding
- Up to $25,000 per year per student of funding is available to support graduate student stipends (or a combination of a partial stipend and research funding) for up to 30 months for MS students and up to 42 months for PhD students. Funding for travel by the student and advisor to and from Africa for research purposes also is available.
Application Process:
Method of Application
- Completed application will include a cover letter from the major professor, a CV of the student, and a copy of the student’s goal statement. Due date each year: January 15.
- Cover letters will address the commitment of the major professor to provide the remaining required funding (typically tuition, fees and research costs) and his/her commitment to support the student’s research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Please submit the application to Dr. David Acker, Associate Dean for Global Engagement, [email protected].
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024.
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