Pine Bluff, AR — Applications are now being accepted for AgDiscovery, a residential career and science exploration program for teens, Dr. Christopher C. Mathis Jr., AgDiscovery program director, said. The program is scheduled for June 8-21 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) campus. April 5 is the application deadline.
Dr. Mathis, who is assistant dean of research and associate research director for the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, said the two-week program allows participants ages 14-17 to live on the UAPB campus and learn about agricultural science, environmental biology, industrial health and safety, plant and soil science, animal science, aquaculture and fisheries, and human sciences from university professors, practicing veterinarians and U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) professionals.
“AgDiscovery here at UAPB incorporates the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences majors focusing on animal science, plant science and agribusiness disciplines,” he said. “Students chosen to participate will gain experience through hands-on labs, field trips and group and team-building activities. The program is a unique opportunity for students to gain a firsthand look at the many career paths open to them in the agricultural sciences. For those interested in an agricultural career, the program is a great way to get started.”
Room and board, supplies, activity fees and meals are covered by APHIS. Parents and guardians are only responsible for the students’ transportation to and from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Students currently in grades 8-11 are eligible for the UAPB AgDiscovery program. They can apply online at www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery. It is important that applicants follow directions carefully as APHIS will discard incomplete applications, Dr. Mathis said.
Enrollment in AgDiscovery is limited. The university will notify students if they are selected to participate. Non-selected applicants will receive a letter in the mail.
“During the application process, students can select their host university,” Dr. Mathis said. “There are 20 universities participating in AgDiscovery 2024.”
A complete list of host universities, brochures, information and application forms and instructions are available online at www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery. In case of questions or requests, students can also contact Dameion White at (870) 575-7241 or [email protected]. For updates on the UAPB program, like and follow the UAPB AgDiscovery Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/uapbagdiscovery/.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
About the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is an 1890 Land-Grant HBCU with a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty. For 150 years, UAPB has worked to create an environment that emphasizes learning, growth and productivity while affording a basic need to its students: a chance to advance. UAPB offers certificate and associate degree programs, more than 50 undergraduate and master’s degree programs and a doctoral program in Aquaculture/Fisheries. Students are active in more than 100 organizations, including an internationally renowned Vesper Choir, Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South Band, Concert Bands, Wind Symphony and an accomplished athletics program.
