The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Public Service Leaders Scholarship Program provides undergraduate and graduate level students with a challenging internship opportunity combined with a scholarship. The program is designed to promote public service and create access to higher education. Upon successful completion of program and degree requirements, participants become permanent employees of USDA.
Recipients of a Public Service Leaders Scholarship enter into an agreement with the USDA to intern at the USDA and to receive a full-tuition scholarship. Specifically, Scholars commit to the following:
Serve as a public servant and effective leader;
Complete 640 internship hours prior to completing degree requirements;
The internships are paid in addition to the scholarship funds. Students may be required to work during the upcoming summer;
Upon graduation, provide one year of service to USDA for each year of financial support received.
Scholarship recipients become permanent employees of the USDA and must be prepared to work for USDA for each year of educational assistance received.
Employees of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) participants are not eligible to apply for or receive this scholarship. To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
A U.S. citizen or a national (resident of American Samoa or Swains Island). Non-citizens may be eligible for employment if:
1. permitted by a Federal agency's appropriations act; and
2. eligible to work under U.S. Immigration laws.
*U.S. citizenship is required for conversion to permanent employment upon completion of this program.
Enrolled as a degree-seeking student at an accredited institution in the United States;
In good academic standing with at minimum 2.75 GPA based on a 4.0 scale;
Willingness to relocate upon graduation (Mobility Agreement will be signed upon selection);
Have a strong interest in a career in public service with the USDA;
Exhibit leadership and community involvement;
Attend a mandatory and leadership training in Washington, D.C. in June;
And meet major and class level requirements of the scholarship position for which you are applying.
Mandatory Leadership Training: June 24-30, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Scholars participate in a one-week mandatory leadership training in Washington, D.C. for two consecutive summers. The training facilitates the transition from school to work, focuses students on the responsibility of public service, enhances leadership skills, and fosters a sense of camaraderie. USDA covers cost associated with travel, lodging, and meals.
The application process is designed to gauge leadership potential, commitment to public service and dedication to academic/career field. To apply, e-mail the following items as attachments to hsinp@osec.usda.gov. All documents must be received by April 6, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Time.
Resume - Be sure to include an e-mail address that is frequently checked.
Essays - Answer the following four questions in essay format. Provide a separate response for each question. Each response must be between 400-500 words. Be sure to include your name on each page.
1. What unique personal qualities or life experiences might distinguish you from other applicants?
2. What is your career vision and why is this choice meaningful to you? How does the USDA align with your career goals?
3. Describe a time when you exhibited leadership skills even though you were not the designated leader.
4. Describe your history of community involvement and how you plan to continue being involved in the future.
Two Letters of Recommendation - Submit TWO letters of recommendation. One must be from your academic counselor, advisor, or faculty member. The second letter of recommendation should be from a community organization or an employer. Each letter must address the following: 1) Personal strengths; 2) Leadership qualities and potential; 3) Academic and extracurricular achievements; and 4) Future academic and career aspirations.
Unofficial Transcripts - Submit college/university transcripts indicating your most recent academic work. Cross out your social security number and date of birth before submitting. Transcripts must include your cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. If your transcript does not show a cumulative GPA, request that a school official confirm this information on school letterhead with his or her signature. If selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts.
