Call for Applications

Masa is now accepting applications for our 2026 Fellowship Program!

This year we have a dedicated theme on agriculture and land-based community organizing in Xicano, Mexican, and Latin American communities. The fellowship comes with a $5,000 stipend that requires participation in a reading and discussion group focused on Indigenous social movements, practicing traditional and innovative approaches to sustainable ag, and tending our milpa in Battle Creek, MI. The fellowship will take place from March to August. Application Link

This fellowship is for folks invested in regenerative ag, environmental and food justice, culturally-based land practices, growing food, and playing in the dirt. All fellows in the program will need to complete a self-directed, individual project related to the theme that incorporates our milpa learning garden and attend virtual meetings and in-person encuentros in Battle Creek. 

To apply, complete the online application by December 22nd. Interviews will follow in early 2026. Anyone residing in the state of Michigan and who is 18 years of age or older is eligible to apply, though we will consider applications from those who live immediately adjacent to the state. Before applying, please familiarize yourself with our organizational shared values. 

Required Fellowship Meetings: 

March 4th- Virtual Onboarding Meeting

March 14-22 - Site Visit: Choose a day to visit the milpa in-person

April 8th - Virtual Meeting

May 2nd - Encuentro 

May 13th - Virtual Meeting

June 10th - Virtual Meeting

June 20th - Milpa Work Day

July 8th - Virtual Meeting

August 15th (tentative date) - Encuentro 

Online meetings will be held via Zoom 6:00-8pm EST. There will be 2 required in-person Encuentros held 9am-5pm EST on Saturday, May 2nd, and Saturday, August 15th in Battle Creek. Travel stipends are available on a need-based basis. We estimate the overall time commitment for the program to be roughly 175 hours. This includes all time spent reading, discussing, attending meetings, completing projects, etc.

Dr. Nerli Paredes Ruvalcaba - Assistant Professor, Michigan State University

Victoria Fox-Ramon - mother, multi-disciplinary movement artist, land tender, and Co-Director, Masa Center

Dr. Santos Felipe Ramos - musician, writer, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Latin American and Latino/a Studies, Grand Valley State University; Co-Director, Masa Center 

Dr. Everardo J. Cuevas - writer, cat enthusiast, Assistant Professor, Michigan State University; Operations Manager, Masa Center.