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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Native American Serving Institutions Internship Program 2017

Published: Feb 10, 2017
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The Program

In partnership with four Native American Serving Institutions (NASIs)/Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is offering college students an 8-week summer internship with one of our programs.  At APHIS offices throughout the country, students can gain valuable practical professional experience, as well as insights about public service and working for a Federal agency. 

APHIS is the agency within the Department of Agriculture that helps farmers and ranchers in the United States by guarding against the entry and spread of foreign pests and diseases, as well as preventing wildlife from preying on livestock and other agricultural resources.  APHIS also helps to protect vulnerable animals under the Animal Welfare Act.   

What Does an Intern Do? 

Based on their career interests and skills, accepted student interns will receive a paid work experience in one of APHIS’ many programs—such as Animal Care, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Wildlife Services, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, or Veterinary Services—or in one of APHIS’ support units.  Interns will assist with daily operations while gaining professional experience in such areas as hands-on field work, administration, data analysis, budgeting, and accounting, communications and outreach, or other technical and scientific work related to plant and animal health. Travel and housing costs will be covered by APHIS. 

Application Requirements

Each applicant must submit to a participating NASI/TCU a complete application package that includes the following materials:

  • A resume
  • Letter of Interest – a 3 paragraph essay that answers the following questions:

     “What you want to take way from the program”
     “What are your strengths, weaknesses, and major”
     “Closing paragraph including contact information”

  • Unofficial transcript 
  • Letters of recommendation (3)
  • Copies of Degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas (i.e. Associates Degree, GED, High School) 
  • The application form available directly from participating institutions

Eligibility

Each applicant must be:

  • a U.S. citizen
  • currently enrolled in a qualifying educational institution at least part time
  • in good academic standing

To obtain an application students can contact one of these participating NASIs/TCUs: 
Please note: Potential Fall internships may exist, ask your school contact:
  
Navajo Technical University     
(New Mexico)      
Steven E. Etter      
Land Grant Program Manager    
setter@navajotech.edu     
505-786-4150       
Application deadline: February 22, 2017  

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute
(New Mexico)
Dorothy Wester, Department Chair
Advanced Technical Education
Dorothy.Wester@BIE.EDU
505-346-7731
Application deadline: February 22, 2017  

University of North Carolina at Pembroke   
Alfred Bryant, PhD Director      
Southwest American Indian Studies Program                                                      
alfred.bryant@uncp.edu    
910-775-4009        
Application deadline: April 1, 2017   
       

Diné College
(Arizona)
Benita Litson, Director
Diné College Land Grant Office
blitson@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6940
Application deadline: February 22, 2017       

For general information about APHIS and its programs, students can contact:

Terry W. Clark, DVM     
Deputy Director     
Office of National Tribal Liaison   
Terry.W.Clark@aphis.usda.gov     
301-440-4388      

Carl Etsitty
Assistant Director
Office of National Tribal Liaison
Carl.Etsitty@aphis.usda.gov
970-494-7573

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