This program is for students who are interested in understanding food security systems and challenging the way we think about food insecurity, community need and how we provide food.
This program is open to all Kansas State University students - undergraduate and graduate - in all areas of study.
Why join Food Security Scholars?
Mission
Empowering scholars by fostering curiosity and community to make progress toward a food secure world.
About
The Food Security Scholars (FSS) is a collaborative leadership development program for K-State students who are passionate about addressing food insecurity and the poverty cycle. Housed in the Staley School of Leadership, FSS is a two-phase program where a cohort of scholars undergo a variety of experiences in food security.
Phase I includes guided learning, community groups, and roundtable discussion with the goal of increasing awareness of food insecurity.
In Phase I, scholars will:
engage in an eight week program from September to November
assemble for 90 minute periods once per week for cohort activities
are connected to a diverse range of fellow scholars from all departments on campus
interact with a network of stakeholders made up of local leaders in food security, research, and volunteerism through roundtable discussions, forums, and volunteer opportunities
Phase II is focused on experiential learning through placements in the local community and volunteer activities.
In Phase II, scholars will:
engage in an eight week program from February to April to hear from guest speakers and reflect on Phase II placement experience
engage in active learning through volunteering and hands-on service opportunities
connect with food-security focused professionals actively working in the public, private, and non-profit realms
invest in food security efforts through research, volunteerism, and leadership
After Phase II, scholars may:
lead FSS as a member of the Student Advisory Leadership Team (SALT)
apply for undergraduate research experiences
connect with our network of stakeholders for opportunities to work in the local community
utilize skills and network gained from FSS to pursue personal projects
Qualifications and Selections
Candidates must have two semesters of college remaining and be in good standing with Kansas State University.
No other GPA, age, grade, major or graduate/undergraduate requirements exist.
Selection process includes application and interview round.
Candidates who move to the interview round will participate in a group discussion.
Olivia Haley, Sumter, South Carolina, Cohort II Ph.D. student, horticulture and natural resources
Olivia hopes to improve communication and connections between growers and consumers, strengthening the knowledge of the public regarding food safety, and nutrition education. Learn more about Olivia.
Dominic Stover, Council Grove, Kansas, Cohort II Senior, philosophy and sociology, minoring in political science
“This experience has provided him with a space to connect with peers that are passionate about food security, broadening his understanding of what it means to be food insecure from the perspective of someone who lived it.”
Brooklynn Bennett, Barnard, Missouri, Cohort II Junior, agriculture economics, pre-law
“My experience with Food Security Scholars has been wonderful. Everyone in this cohort is so passionate about what they do, and I am constantly inspired to think big about the future of our global food system.”
Olivia Haley, Sumter, South Carolina, Cohort II
Dominic Stover, Council Grove, Kansas, Cohort II
Brooklynn Bennett, Barnard, Missouri, Cohort II