Lloyd Noble Scholars in Agriculture
One semester or one summer... That's all it takes to become a member of a team, impact the agriculture industry and set a course that can change your life.
The Lloyd Noble Scholars in Agriculture program offers the opportunity to work alongside agricultural professionals at one of the nation's foremost agricultural consultation and research organizations.
The Noble Research Institute offers opportunities in its core areas of expertise: animal science and livestock management (emphasis on forage-based ruminant systems), agricultural economics, agronomy, horticulture, range management, soils and crops, and wildlife and fisheries. Any given day could find you working directly with Noble Research Institute agricultural consultants and researchers, meeting with one of Noble's 1,700 cooperator-families – actual agricultural producers – that work with the Noble Research Institute on a daily basis, or conducting research on one or more of Noble's seven research farms. This combination of activities and opportunities creates one of the most valuable and unique production-agriculture-related internships in the United States.
The Lloyd Noble Scholars in Agriculture is more than just an internship; it's a chance to benefit the agriculture industry and change your life. It's an opportunity to explore possibilities across a variety of disciplines. It's a chance to discover your future.
“There are a lot of internships out there, but at Noble it’s a different experience. I’ve done hands-on projects. I’ve visited farms. I’ve learned how my work is relevant to the field.”
— McKenzie Carvalho, Oklahoma State University, 2018 Lloyd Noble Scholar in Agriculture
What will I be doing?
Scholars work alongside agricultural researchers and consultants who assist farmers, ranchers and other land owners operating in the cattle belt of the Southern Great Plains to attain financial, production and quality-of-life goals. Scholars will develop valuable applied agriculture skills, interact with and assist in identifying solutions to real-world issues encountered by producers, and further enhance communication and leadership skills necessary to be effective advocates for agriculture. The objective of the scholar experience is to provide participants a competitive advantage in the development of a career in a leading agricultural field of study, thus enabling them to positively impact the agriculture industry of tomorrow. At the conclusion of the summer program, scholars present their findings to the Noble Research Institute agriculture and research community.
What areas of research can I pursue?
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Leadership
- Agronomy
- Animal Science
- Forage-based Beef Cattle Systems
- Land Stewardship
- Agriculture Technologies
- Pecan and Nut Crops
- Specialty Agriculture
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Natural Resources Management
- Plant and Soil Sciences
- Rangeland Ecology and Management
- Wildlife and Fisheries Management
“My summer as an ag scholar provided me a lot of insight that will help me later on down the road. I was exposed to a lot of different things that changed the way I see the world, allowing me to look at things from a systems approach.”
— Brent Weiss, Delaware Valley University, 2018 Lloyd Noble Scholar in Agriculture
Do I get paid?
Yes. Scholars earn approximately $4,800 for about a two-and-a-half month program (taxes will be deducted from this amount automatically). Scholars work 40 hours per week and payments are made semimonthly.
Where will I stay?
The Noble Research Institute provides excellent accommodations for all out-of-area scholars. Per rules set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), housing that is provided by the Noble Research Institute is considered a taxable fringe benefit.
What can I do during my off hours?
The Noble Research Institute is located in Ardmore, Oklahoma, which has a population of about 25,000. Ardmore offers the privacy and comfort of small town life while providing convenient access to entertainment, shopping and restaurants. Scholars will have access to about 4,500 acres of land, streams and ponds owned by the Noble Research Institute for recreational use during employment.
Learn more about Ardmore
and activities in the surrounding area
Am I eligible to be a Lloyd Noble Scholar in Agriculture?
Candidates must:
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in a college or university within the United States, such program resulting in the award of a baccalaureate, master's or associate's degree.
- Have completed their sophomore year (at least 60 credit hours) with a declared major in an agriculture-related field with appropriate course work (research experience is not required).
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States (for any employer) and will not require employment visa sponsorship for this internship.
- Be capable of working 40 hours per week for approximately a semester (non-summer) or 10 weeks (summer).
- Have their own means of transportation for non-work related travel.
What is the application timeline?
When does the internship begin?
The Ag Scholars program start date can vary but typically will begin in mid-May and end in mid-August.
Where are applications available?
The 2019 application period has ended. Check back in the fall for Summer 2020 opportunities.
“My experience with the Noble Research Institute has been unbelievable, beyond anything I could have thought. Everyone has been welcoming and made our learning experience a top priority here.”
— Natalie Graff, Texas A&M University, 2018 Lloyd Noble Scholar in Agriculture