AgFirst interns awarded 2024 HBCU Launching Leaders Stipend

To foster the professional growth of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) while benefitting from their talents, Farm Credit each year awards Launching Leaders stipends in connection with its internship programs. This year, six AgFirst interns – Dominique Bartley, Jayques Nelson, Ricardo Barnes, Subash Neupane, Jeremiah Jenkins and Brandon Brown (not pictured) – each received a $3,500 stipend. This financial support alleviates the burden of living expenses during their summer internships, enabling them to focus on gaining invaluable career experience. 

Now in its fifth year, the Launching Leaders program is part of Farm Credit’s commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive agricultural industry. The program supports students and recent graduates from HBCUs, as well as active members of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), who are interning at Farm Credit institutions. These interns are not merely gaining work experience, they are also building their professional networks, establishing connections and laying the groundwork for successful futures. 

Meet this year’s recipients: 

• Jayques Nelson. Project Management intern and mathematics junior at Claflin University. 
• Ricardo Barnes. Cybersecurity intern and computer science junior at Claflin University. 
• Dominique Bartley. SharePoint and Reporting intern and graduate student at SC State University. 
• Subash Neupane. HR Systems intern and computer science junior at Claflin University. 
• Jeremiah Jenkins. Application Support intern and computer science sophomore at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. 
• Brandon Brown. Computer Operator and cybersecurity graduate from Benedict College.

Year-Round support for HBCUs 

AgFirst’s commitment to supporting HBCUs extends beyond the Launching Leaders stipend. The bank also: 

• Provides eight $3,000 scholarships annually, with two recipients selected from each of the following institutions: Benedict College, Claflin University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and SC State University. 
• Donates to HBCU career centers to create more professional development experiences. 
• Participates in Farm Credit’s HBCU Career and Internship Fair to attract students to explore employment and internship opportunities at the bank. The bank also attends career fairs held at each institution.

AgFirst is proud to deepen its relationships with local HBCUs, increasing professional development opportunities for students from these institutions. This support enriches the bank with diverse talent and paves the way for more students to thrive in their chosen fields.