Applications are being accepted for AgDiscovery, a residential career and science exploration program for teens. March 1 is the application deadline, said Willie Columbus, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff AgDiscovery program coordinator.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and UAPB teamed up to host AgDiscovery June 10-23 at UAPB.
AgDiscovery is designed to help students ages 14-17 explore careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, agribusiness, plant pathology, aquaculture and agriculture. Students live two weeks on the campus of their host university and learn from APHIS professionals and university professors including practicing entomologists, plant pathologists, wildlife biologists and veterinarians.
Students participate in hands-on labs, workshops and field trips as well as team building activities and diversity workshops. Students pay only the cost of transportation to and from UAPB. Room and board and supplies are covered by APHIS.
“Applications and letters of reference should no longer be mailed separately, as in years passed,” Columbus said. “Now applications must be mailed in one large envelope containing the application form, essay and three sealed letters of reference.”
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Enrollment in AgDiscovery is limited. Students accepted will be notified the week of May 8. Although students submit their application packets directly to APHIS, they can select their host university.
“It is important that applicants follow directions carefully as APHIS will discard incomplete applications,” Columbus said.
Students must submit an application packet postmarked by March 1 to USDA-APHIS AgDiscovery Program, ATTN: Tammy Lowry, Office of Civil Rights, Diversity, and Inclusion, 4700 River Road, Unit 92, Suite 6C-04, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234.
For a list of host universities, brochures, information and application forms visit www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery or contact Willie Columbus at UAPB, columbusw@uapb.edu or 575-7252.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all of its Extension and Research programs and services without discrimination.
— Carol Sanders is a writer/editor with the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.