As part of a prestigious fellowship sponsored by The Norman Borlaug Institute, Molly Boyd, a 2024 graduate from the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will spend the next several months working as an agricultural extension agent and teacher in Ghana. 

The International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program (IAEFP) trains and supports selected fellows to work with teachers and community members in developing countries to implement school-based agricultural education and establish youth leadership clubs. Boyd will work with community leaders to implement relevant and sustainable agricultural projects at local schools, based on a community needs assessment. 

Boyd was a strong candidate for the fellowship due to several diverse and relevant experiences she sought out while a student in ACES, including working in the ACES study abroad office, participating in study abroad programs, and engaging in US-based agricultural youth development programs, such as FFA and 4-H.

“I can’t think of a better person to represent the United States and the College of ACES to the people of Ghana than Molly. With her calm demeanor, generous spirit, and respectful approach to everyone she interacts with, she will make a lasting positive impression on her host community,” said Lauren Karplus, assistant director of ACES international programs who also previously served as an academic advisor and instructor to Boyd. 

To prepare for deploying to Ghana, Boyd and other fellows have been attending virtual training sessions during the summer and will complete a one week in-person training session in September. The deployment will last through June 2025.

“By committing to be a fellow of the Borlaug Institute IAEFP, you are joining a fantastic team of strong, dedicated individuals who will undoubtedly grow themselves and each other while also encouraging and motivating the youth of Ghana. This will be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of your life,” states Boyd’s award letter.

Established in 2018, the International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program (IAEFP) aims to develop globally minded United States agriculturists with experience living abroad; help meet the food and fiber needs of the domestic population of eligible countries; and strengthen and enhance trade linkages between eligible countries and the United States agricultural industry.