Dover, DE—Youths from 14 to 17 years of age are invited to Delaware State University (DSU) this summer to learn more about careers in agriculture. The AgDiscovery program, funded by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), will be held on the campuses of 13 land-grant institutions, including DSU. At DSU, the program will run from July 5 – 18 and, will introduce middle and high school students to careers in agriculture and the related sciences while boarding on campus.

 

“AgDiscovery is a unique opportunity for students to gain a first-hand look at the many career paths open to them in the agricultural sciences,” Harry Thayer, 4-H and Youth Development agent for DSU Cooperative Extension. “Students chosen to participate in the program will gain experience through hands-on labs, workshops and field trips. Students will also participate in character and team-building activities and diversity workshops.”

 

Middle and high school students interested in participating in AgDiscovery at DSU should visit the APHIS web site for an application, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery and click on the AgDiscovery Program link; or call DSU College of Agriculture and Related Sciences at (302) 857-6400. The application package also requires a two-page essay entitled “Why I want to attend the AgDiscovery Program at DSU,” and three character references. The program is free to participants, with the exception of travel to and from campus, which is the student’s responsibility. Completed packages should be mailed by April 15, 2011, to: Ms. Beatrice Jacobs, USDA, APHIS, Office of the Administrator, Civil Rights Enforcement and Compliance, 4700 River Road, Unit 92, Riverdale, MD, 20737-1234. Candidates who have been accepted to the program will be contacted in May.