September 2025
Sustainable Student Farm
We invite students and community members alike to join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sustainable Student Farm, explore Registered Student Organizations, hear exciting current projects from horticulture faculty and our collaborators, and enjoy free special dishes prepared by Dining Services.
University Housing is also providing continuous shuttles for students to and from the Sustainable Student Farm, LAR, and IKE residence halls from 2:30-6pm.
Event Date/Time: Friday Sept 5th, 2025 3PM- 6PM
Address: Sustainable Student Farm 3505 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL 61802
We ask that you enter at the gate on S. Lincoln near its intersection with E. Windsor. Parking will be available in the grass along the outside of the fence.
For questions, email: illinois-ssf@illinois.edu
For more information, visit: https://go.illinois.edu/SSFOpenHouse2025
August 2025
Sustainable Student Farm
The University of Illinois Sustainable Student Farm is looking to hire part-time student workers for our Fall Harvest Crew 2025 starting August 25th. Flexible shifts are available between 7AM and 6PM for various harvesting, postharvest, and market-prep jobs on the Sustainable Student Farm: 3505 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL 61802.
All applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Farm Manager Matt Turino: turino@illinois.edu
For more information, visit: https://ssf.cropsciences.illinois.edu/fall-2025-farm-crew/
UIUC Plant Sciences Symposium Committee
We are pleased to announce that registration for this year’s University of Illinois Plant Science Symposium is now open. The theme for this year’s symposium is “SMART Agriculture: Predict, Adapt & Sustain.”
This symposium marks the 10th iteration of the Corteva Symposia series at the University of Illinois and will take place on 5th September 2025, at the Illini Union in Urbana. We are currently accepting abstracts from graduate students for oral presentations. We will select three graduate students currently enrolled at U.S. universities to deliver a 15-minute research presentation at the symposium. Selection will be based on the quality and relevance of the submitted abstracts.
Please note: Students from the University of Illinois are not eligible for travel grants, even if selected to present.
In addition to graduate student presentations, we invite undergraduate and graduate students to present their posters. This is an excellent opportunity to bolster students’ CVs and resumes and to enrich the network with individuals from both industry and academia.
The deadline for abstract submission for the graduate talk and travel grant is 30th July 2025.
The deadline to submit an abstract for the poster is 20th August 2025.
Interested participants can submit their abstract at: https://symposium.cropsciences.illinois.edu/register/
For more details about the symposium, please visit here. If you have any questions, please reach out to cpsc-symposium@mx.uillinois.edu.
Past Opportunities
May 2025
Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and the Environment (iSEE)
The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment is recruiting the first cohort of EcoReps for AY 2025-2026 to promote sustainability on campus and serve as a resource to connect students to different campus sustainability initiatives. Approximately ten positions are open, and any rising sophomore, junior, or senior interested in sustainability outreach is encouraged to apply, no matter the major! EcoReps will be expected to work 4-5 hours per week throughout the school year. EcoReps will benefit from building leadership skills and getting involved in a variety of campus sustainability initiatives. Students will enjoy participating in a community of students who are passionate about sustainability.
Please submit a resume and cover letter to Miriam Keep, Sustainability Programs Coordinator at iSEE. The cover letter should describe your prior experience related to sustainability and peer outreach, and explain your motivation for pursuing a role in outreach for campus sustainability. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged!
For more information, visit the Illinois Job Board: https://secure.osfa.illinois.edu/vjb/detail.aspx?type=nonfws&postid=47752
Horticultural Research Institute
The Horticultural Research Institute believes in helping students obtain the education necessary to successfully pursue horticultural careers. Generous donors have created multiple scholarship opportunities for students to support their academic journey. Backing motivated students today plays a vital role in protecting and growing the industry tomorrow. Only one application is required to apply to all scholarships you are eligible for.
Application deadline: May 31, 2025.
For more information, visit: https://www.hriresearch.org/scholarship-application-and-resources
April 2025
Sustainable Student Farm
The Sustainable Student Farm internship gives students hands-on work experience at the farm. It aims to teach interns about the essential parts of vegetable production while thinking about sustainable farming at large.
For more information, visit: https://ssf.cropsciences.illinois.edu/internship/
Crop Sciences
The Department of Crop Sciences seeks talented and motivated researchers to fill two graduate student positions. Email applications to James Santiago (jpsant7@illinois.edu) including a cover letter, your latest CV, and names of 2 to 3 references with their email addresses.
2025 Science & Spirits
The 2025 Science & Spirits organizing committee invites you to our annual networking event. This event provides a unique opportunity for UIUC undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty in plant sciences and related fields to connect with industry representatives and fellow researchers.
The deadline to submit an abstract for the lightning talk (10 talks) and poster presentation is 5th April 2025. You can register to participate until 23rd April. Register or submit an abstract to participate or present. Only undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for prizes. Join us for an exciting evening of networking, presentations, and complimentary food (cash bar available).
Date: April 25th 2025
Time: 5:00 pm-9:30 pm
Venue: Alice Campbell Alumni Center
Proven Winners Horticulture Scholarship
Proven Winners is now accepting applications for the 2025 Proven Winners Scholarship Program. We want to assist and recognize the academic talent that exists across North America by presenting scholarships to students in 4-year universities as well as community colleges and vocational schools.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
For more information, visit: https://www.provenwinners.com/node/510063
Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research Internship
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a nonprofit organization that builds partnerships to fund bold research addressing the biggest challenges in food and agriculture. FFAR is committed to providing every person access to affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms.
They are seeking a Partnerships & Development Research Intern to help further their mission by assisting with strategy development, implementation planning, and additional supporting activities. Applicants must be at least a Junior in a four-year university program.
For more information, visit their website.
March 2025
The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
The Garden Clubs of Illinois will offer two scholarships, each in the amount of $4,000 , for the 2025-2026 School Year. The scholarships will be offered to deserving students attending colleges and universities in Illinois in the fields of agriculture, agriculture education, agronomy, botany, forestry, floriculture, horticulture, landscape design, plant pathology, environmental conservation, land management, and related fields.
National Garden Club, Inc. also awards $4000 scholarships for students from Illinois attending any college or university in the United States. All colleges and universities must be listed on the official website of the U.S. Department of Education.
Application deadline: March 15, 2025
For more information, visit: https://www.gardenclubsofillinois.org/scholarships
The Chicago Park District Outdoor & Environmental Education
The Chicago Park District Outdoor and Environmental Education team is hiring! They’re hiring for multiple positions for their environmental education programs this 2025 season. Applications have varying due dates between Tuesday, March 4th and Friday, March 7th. Though due dates for these applications are quickly approaching, these jobs will be reposted repeatedly throughout the spring until all positions are filled. Postings are on the Chicago Park District job board in the coming months.
For more information, view the following Google doc.
ILCA/ILCECO College Scholarship
The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) is pleased to offer (7) scholarships to college students enrolled in a full or part time horticultural-related program. A horticultural-related program includes, but is not limited to, horticulture, environmental science, landscape architecture, botany, agronomy, nursery production, ecology, agriculture, urban horticulture, floral design, and more. * Applicants must be an Illinois resident.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
For more information, visit: https://ilca.net/scholarship-program/
January 2025
Become an AmericanHort Scholar
This is an exclusive opportunity that provides students with invaluable experience and networking opportunities at Cultivate’25.
Students currently studying at any North American institution pursuing degrees or certificates in ornamental horticulture, floriculture, or related fields, whether as part of an undergraduate, graduate, or 2-year program are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: January 31, 2025
For more information, visit: https://www.americanhort.org/programs/hortscholar
November 2024
Midwest Groundcovers’ 2025 Summer Internship Program
Midwest Groundcovers is now accepting applications for its 2025 Summer Internship Program. Customize your experience by selecting an internship that best aligns with your interests:
- Greenhouse Internship
- Inside Sales Internship
- Landscape Horticulturist Internship
- Marketing Internship
- Plant Health Internship
- Production Internship
- Wholesale/UPICK Internship
- Soil Science Research Internship
Application deadline: November 30, 2024
Internship start date: May 19, 2025
For more information, visit: https://www.midwestgroundcovers.com/about-us/careers/intern-programs/
October 2024
Horticultural Research Institute
The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association has made it our mission to better connect with Horticulture programs and students in 2024 and beyond. As part of that, we want to inform you of an upcoming program and student discount available to green industry students and faculty.
The annual conference – Impact: Building Sustainable Landscapes provides inspiring sessions on sustainable and ecological landscape practices. The day includes vendor displays featuring the latest in sustainable products & practices and networking opportunities with those new to sustainable practice and seasoned pros who know the ropes. This program is for professionals who know landscapes and that landscape professionals can do better!
The Impact Conference: Building Sustainable Landscapes
October 24, 2024 @ NIU Naperville
A College/High School Student or Educator ticket is only $50 with discount code: impact24
For more information on how to register visit: https://ilca.net/ilca-events/impact-conference/
September 2024
Crop Sciences Harvest Open House
Saturday, September 28th | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Agronomy Seed House
2102 S Wright St, Urbana, IL 61802
On-site free parking will be available.
Free admission*
FOOD • GAMES • PUMPKIN PAINTING • TOUCH-A-TRACTOR • and MORE!
Harvest Days with Crop Sciences will bring the fun of the harvest season and the fantastic scientific advances in agricultural production to one location. Students, families, and the community are all invited to this interactive experience!
We’re excited to share the scientific advances in agriculture production with those of all ages through fun, hands-on activities. Help us welcome the fall season with pumpkins, popcorn, science, and family fun!
For general information, please email harvestdays@illinois.edu.
*Admissions and interactive experiences are free, however, some experiences or options at the event, such as food trucks, will require guests to pay. No pets allowed.
Sustainable Student Farm Spring Internship
