The CALS Global Fellows Program supports CALS undergraduate students from any major in pursuit of challenging, professionally-focused summer internships and research placements that enhance and complement their career goals and academic progress, while enriching their undergraduate experience with diverse cultural and international immersion. Through key partnerships, the Global Fellows Program provides a platform for students to make positive and definable contributions to global organizations and communities.

Acceptance to the program is competitive and a limited number of students are selected each year. 

Students who are accepted into the CALS Global Fellows Program will be required to complete 4 parts of the program:

• An in-person 7-week, Spring (session 2) pre-engagement 1 credit course, ALS 2300, focusing on health and safety, cultural awareness, logistics and more. 
• a continuous 7–8-week internship or research placement in an international setting
• and a 7-week, 1 credit post-engagement course in the first half of the Fall 2025 semester (ALS/GDEV 3105)
• Poster Symposium in Fall 2025

Placement Opportunities

Placements: 2 (in-person)

Interns will be working at Okere City.  

About Okere City

Okere City is a community-driven rural development initiative located in Otuke District, northern Uganda. Established in 2019, Okere City is designed to serve as a prototype for sustainable rural development. It supports over 6,000 residents through a range of services and programs that include:

• A community school with 500 students.
• A medical clinic providing healthcare services to 100 patients monthly.
• A women-led shea butter cooperative society that engages 200 women in the shea value chain.
• An adult education program
• Youth vocational skilling program
• Sports for rural development activities
   
• Visit: Okere City to find more about our work.
   

Internship Descriptions

We can offer customized internship experiences across several key areas, including:

1. Shea Butter Value Chain Development

Responsibilities: Assist in building capacity for women in the shea value chain, explore new markets (domestic and international), and optimize production processes.
Preferred Background: Agribusiness, community development, marketing, women’s studies, or environmental science.

2. Sustainability and Environmental Management

Responsibilities: Work on initiatives like planting shea trees, water conservation, and implementing sustainable farming practices.
Preferred Background: Environmental science, agricultural studies, or natural resource management.
 

3. Sustainability and Biochar Production

Responsibilities: Support the development of smallholder biochar production and its integration into sustainable farming practices, conduct research on biochar’s impact on soil fertility, and train farmers in its application.
Preferred Background: Environmental science, agricultural studies, natural resource management, or chemistry.
 

4. Research and Data Analysis

Responsibilities: Conduct impact assessments of Okere City’s programs, evaluate socio-economic outcomes, and gather data to inform future interventions.
Preferred Background: Development studies, social sciences, or research methodologies.
 

5. Social Media and Digital Content Management

Responsibilities: Manage and grow Okere City’s social media presence, create content for campaigns, and engage with a global audience to raise awareness about our work.
Preferred Background: Marketing, communications, journalism, or media studies.
 

6. Website Design and Management

Responsibilities: Maintain and update Okere City’s website, optimize user experience, and create visually compelling and functional digital platforms.
Preferred Background: Web design, IT, or computer science.
 

7. Health and Education Development

Responsibilities: Support in developing health outreach programs or assist in the adult education and literacy programs.
Preferred Background: Public health, education, or social work.
 

8. Community-Based Tourism and Cultural Preservation

Responsibilities: Help enhance cultural tourism initiatives like the Okere Shea Festival and community eco-tourism experiences.
Preferred Background: Tourism management, anthropology, or creative arts.
 

9. Youth and Skills Development

Responsibilities: Design and implement digital training programs and workshops for rural youth.
Preferred Background: Information technology, education, or development studies.
 

Accommodation and Living Arrangements

Students will stay at our community guesthouses, equipped with basic amenities. These accommodations are safe, comfortable, and provide a firsthand experience of rural life. Meals (mostly local African foods) will be provided through a community kitchen. Free accommodation and Wi-Fi will also be provided.

What We Are Looking For in Students

We are seeking students who:

• Demonstrate a commitment to social impact, sustainable development, or community building.
• Have strong cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to adapt to rural settings.
• Are self-motivated and open to working collaboratively with the community.
• Have academic or practical experience in any of the fields highlighted above.
   

Additional Information
 

Okere City offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a real-world setting where innovative ideas meet practical solutions. This is a chance to contribute to meaningful change in one of Uganda’s most underserved regions while gaining invaluable field experience.
 

Okere City is founded by Ojok Okello, a Cornell Alum.