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Students: AgDiscovery


The AgDiscovery program was initiated as a APHIS Veterinary Services pilot program in 2002. Funding for AgDiscovery is facilitated through cooperative agreements with the hosting Universities.

AgDiscovery is an outreach program to help students learn about careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, agribusiness and plant pathology. This 2-4 week program allows participants to live on a college campus and learn about agricultural science from university professors, practicing veterinarians and professionals working for the U.S. government. Students who participate in AgDiscovery will gain experience through hands-on labs, workshops, field trips and other group and team building activities. View the AgDiscovery Brochure to learn more.

View the AgDiscovery Brochure to learn more.

How to Apply for AgDiscovery
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For the program at Alcorn State University, students between the ages of 12-16 are eligible to apply for AgDiscovery. For all other participating universities, the eligible ages for AgDiscovery program are 14-17 years old. (Note: You must be at least the minimum eligible age and no older than the maximum eligible age for your selected program as of May 31, 2013.)

Applicants can only apply to one AgDiscovery program each year. Following the 2013 AgDiscovery program, applicants will no longer be eligible to repeat participation within a discipline. For example, if a student participates in any program within the animal discipline, he or she will only be eligible to participate in programs within the remaining disciplines in 2014 and beyond. The programs are categorized in the four disciplines below:

AgDiscovery Disciplines

A complete application package must be received no later than March 23, 2013. APHIS will not accept application packages that are incomplete or received after March 23. No additions to incomplete applications will be accepted after the March 23 deadline.

What to include in your application package:

  • Application Form—A completed Application Form (PDF) or Miscrosoft Word (DOC).
    • We recommend that you download/save the fillable form to your hard drive before completing. For best results completing the PDF form, download the latest Adobe Reader at http://get.adobe.com/reader/.

  • Essay—A two-page essay entitled "Why I Want To Attend the AgDiscovery Program at ______ (indicate the participating university you would like to attend) and What I Want To Learn." In the essay, include information on your interests and hobbies and explain what you want to do when you grow up. Be sure to include your full name, age, home address, home telephone number, and email address.|

  • Three character references—letters from people not related to you who know you well. At least one of the three references must come from a teacher or counselor. References must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope and mailed to the address below.

  • If you are mailing your entire application, please include your sealed reference letters in the package.  If you submit your application form and essay by email, you still need to mail in your sealed reference letters through the U.S. postal service.  

  • You can email the completed application, along with the required two-page essay, to agdiscovery@aphis.usda.gov or send by mail to:

    Ms. Beatrice Jacobs
    USDA-APHIS Office of the Administrator
    Office of Civil Rights, Diversity, and Inclusion
    4700 River Road, Unit 92
    Riverdale, MD 20737-1234

  • If the applicant is selected for the program, original signatures, proof of age, and school enrollment is required prior to program participation.

Selectees will be notified on or before April 30, 2013.

Contact Information
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For additional information about the AgDiscovery program, contact

    Terry Henson or Beatrice Jacobs
    USDA, APHIS, Office of the Administrator
    Civil Rights Enforcement and Compliance
    4700 River Road, Unit 92
    Riverdale, Maryland 20737-1234

    Phone: (301) 851-4195 (Ms. Henson)
    Phone: (301) 851-4197 (Ms. Jacobs)
    Fax: (301) 734-3698

    terry.a.henson@aphis.usda.gov
    beatrice.f.jacobs@aphis.usda.gov

March 23, 2013 is the deadline to receive your completed application.