Student Leadership Programs

We equip students with the tools they need to be successful leaders.

Leaders for a Lifetime

College is the ideal time for students to foster leadership skills. CALS helps equip you with the tools you need to be successful leaders while on campus and beyond college. The following programs provide you with experiences and information to help you succeed, realize your potential and have a positive impact on the communities you serve.

CALS also offers an array of leadership programs, from summer internships to assistantships to peer coaching and mentoring. These opportunities help students build confidence, expand their networks and gain real-world experience.

Mixed group of four students posing with cows in a barn

AGI Ambassadors

The AGI Ambassadors are the student voice of AGI and assist with functions and recruiting efforts. They represent various AGI departments and demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, student leadership and college enthusiasm.

Apply to Become an AGI Ambassador

CALS Ambassadors

CALS Ambassadors are committed student leaders who give their time and talents to support students, faculty, alumni and friends of the college. They promote CALS by engaging prospective students, informing peers and connecting with industry professionals.

Learn How to Become a CALS Ambassador

Group of students standing in front of a brick building

CALS Graduate Peer Mentoring

CALS doctoral students with 18+ credit hours can train as graduate peer mentors to build community across departments and support fellow students’ wellbeing. Mentors also receive a $1,000 award for the year.

Become a Graduate Peer Mentor

man and woman sitting at a conference room table

CALS Peer Career Coach

Peer career coaches work with CALS Career Services to support fellow students through providing one-on-one career coaching, leading career readiness events for their major and assisting with Career Services activities. Interested students should email cals_career@ncsu.edu to learn more.

Become a Peer Career Coach

Suman Das posing with a volumetric pipette.

Graduate Assistantships

Support the CALS community and gain valuable leadership and work experience by becoming a teaching, research or services assistant. Graduate assistants receive an annual stipend and are eligible to receive tuition support (for a defined number of semesters) and health insurance benefits.

Learn More About Becoming a Grad Assistant

A student and a farmer kneel in a green crop field, examining plants together. The student gestures while discussing the plants, highlighting collaboration and hands-on learning in agriculture.

Leadership in Agriculture and Life Sciences (Minor)

The Leadership in Agriculture and Life Sciences minor is open to all CALS undergraduates and is ideal for students pursuing careers in agriculture and life sciences. This minor builds the theory, principles and practical skills needed for supervisory and management roles across these industries.

Learn More About the Program

MacKenna Clifton with Senator Thom Tillis

Senator Jesse Helms Agricultural Legislative Summer Internship Program

The internship program offers students first-hand experience in the federal legislative process by working in a congressional office in Washington, D.C. The summer program runs from mid-May through early August, offering valuable insight into policy and public service.

Apply to the Internship Program

Faculty Programs

Staff Programs

Stakeholder Programs

CALS Students Bond Over Agricultural Policy

Katie Forrest and MacKenna Clifton spent the summer in Washington, D.C., learning about agricultural policy through the Senator Jesse Helms Agricultural Legislative Summer Internship Program, while also creating a new friendship.

Meet Katie and MacKenna

two students taking a selfie in Washington D.C.