The United States Department of Agriculture, the College Prep Program at the University of New Mexico and co-sponsorship by the National Security Studies Program at UNM have teamed up to present the USDA-UNM Agricultural Leadership Program which gives high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to gain experience in careers in agricultural sciences.
The 10-day program includes field visits, lectures on national food and agricultural security, museum visits, leadership development training, practical activities and a final presentation. Students will learn about scientific concepts including ecology, ecosystems, soil and water testing and climate changes.
The program is designed to prepare students for college as well as a career in agricultural sciences. An added bonus of the program is that it is free. Students are responsible only for travel to and from Albuquerque. All other expenses, including food and board, are free and there is no application fee or tuition.
The first five days, students stay on the UNM campus for an orientation and educational period. At the end of the program, students are stationed at the Valles Caldera Youth Camp in New Mexico for educational and hands-on activities. During the 10-day period, classes will be scheduled 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a morning wakeup call at 6:30 a.m. and lights out at 10 p.m.
In order to be considered for the program, students must be a rising junior or senior in high school, be a resident of New Mexico, be in good academic standing with a minimum 2.5 GPA, exhibit leadership traits and submit a complete application.
Applications must be received by Monday, June 20. Selected students will be notified by Monday, June 27.
Visit College Prep Programs to download the application and for submission instructions.
For more information about the program or other College Prep Programs, visit College & Outreach Programs at http://ceop.unm.edu/ or contact Tripti Srivastava at (505) 277-0652 or triptis@unm.edu.