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Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK andAgDiscovery Summer Programs for High School Students

"Preparing the Next Generation of Research Scientists and Engineers."

Program Overview

We are happy to announce that the Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Summer Institute and the AgDiscovery Summer Program will be held June 2-15, 2024. The summer programs are being hosted at Ƶ by the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, the Tuskegee Center for Advanced Materials and College of Engineering with sponsors, including USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the National Science Foundation.

The Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Summer Institute and AgDiscovery Summer Program are two-week residential programs that create an awareness of the educational opportunities that are available in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics (STEAM) and related areas through hands-on research, leadership development and personal enrichment activities. Though similar in their mission and goals, these two programs represent two distinct opportunities for individuals interesting in learning more about agriculture and related careers; thus, individuals interesting in applying Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Summer Institute and AgDiscovery Summer Program should apply as indicated for each. For more program information, please contact: Demetria Jones-Williams, Administrative/Program Assistant at 334-727-8453 or dwilliams3@tuskegee.edu.

NOTE: Each program has a limited number of slots. Individuals may apply to BOTH programs to increase their chances of selection to one or the other; completion of the separate applications is required.

***The applications are NOW available and the deadline for the programs application is April 5th, 2024***​

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Overview

During the summer of 2004, the College of Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Sciences (CAENS) in collaboration with the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Physical Science (CEAPS) at Ƶ and Southeastern Consortium of Minority Engineer (SECME), Incorporated developed the two-week residential program called the Agri-TREK Summer Institute. This USDA/CSREES (now NIFA) sponsored program was implemented to expose 9-12th grade students and teachers from counties in Alabama's Black Belt to the latest developments in AgriScience and related disciplines. Today, the program continues to give 9th-12th grade students an opportunity to gain leadership and research training in agriculture and related disciplines. To date, over 300 high school students have participated in the program, many of whom have obtained or are currently pursuing careers in agriculture and related sciences at universities and colleges across the Country.

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Brochure

AgDiscovery Overview

Beginning Summer 2011, USDA-APHIS and others, including the USDA-Forest Service, partnered with the College of Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Sciences (now College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences – CAENS) to launchAgDiscoveryat Ƶ. Similar to theAgri-TREK Summer Institute,AgDiscoveryis an outreach program to help students learn about careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, agribusiness and plant pathology. This 2-3 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 chosen to participate inAgDiscoverywill gain experience through hands-on labs, workshops, field trips and other group and team building activities. Click here to view the AgDiscovery flyer. You can learn more about AgDiscovery program.

AgDiscovery Brochure

How to Apply

TWO PROGRAMS!*** TWO APPLICATIONS!

Summer 2024applications are now available ONLINE. Applicants are encouraged to complete the online applications forAgri-TREK/Sci-TREKANDAgDiscovery. Please note that supplemental documents (transcripts, references, etc) may emailed toagriculture@tuskegee.eduif you have problems uploading your files to your application. However, electronic submission with your application is the preferred method. You may also have your references directly submit their letters using the summer program reference submission link below if you are not uploading with your application. Please make sure they indicate the program that you are applying to when submitting.

Individuals can access the applications forAgri-TREK/Sci-TREKandAgDiscoverybelow. All applications (must be COMPLETE) and supplemental documents should be received by the deadline. Selectees will be notified on or before May 5, 2024 if selected. The Program will be held June 2-15, 2024.

***The applications are NOW available below and the deadline will be April 5th, 2024***

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Application Materials

AgDiscovery Application Materials
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Become a Counselor

The Agri-TREK Summer Institute and AgDiscovery Summer Program are looking for counselors for this Summer's program!!! Counselors for these programs include current college students or recent college graduates. Counselors work with the programs’ staff to facilitate activities throughout the duration of the program period. The chosen individuals should have a strong history of leadership skills. Counselors are available 24/7 through the program and must complete a one-day counselor training session prior to the start of the program.

Interested individuals should submit their Summer Institute Counselor Application using the link below. Use the counselor reference letter link to submit your references and supplemental documents by April 1, 2024.

FAQs

Who can apply?

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Summer Institute: Students in grades 9th– 12thand returning to high school the Fall semester following the program are eligible to apply for the AgriTREK/SciTREK Summer Institute. Individuals who have participated in the AgDiscovery program or the AgriTREK/SciTREK Summer Institute at Ƶ in a previous year and meet the above criteria is eligible to participate again.

AgDiscovery Summer Program: Students age 15-17 years old (as of May 31 of the program year) are eligible to apply for the AgDiscovery Program. Individuals who have participated in the AgDiscovery program at Ƶ in a previous year are not eligible to participate again; however, past participants of AgDiscovery at other universities are eligible to apply.

Where do I get an application?

Click the “How to Apply” linkon the left of the page.

How much does it cost to attend?

The Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Summer Institute and the AgDiscovery Summer Program are both FREE programs. Participants receive a small stipend (up to $200) to help defray the costs of travel to the program location (Ƶ).

Is travel provided?

Travel to/from the program IS NOT provided. All parents (guardians of) participants are responsible for dropping off and picking up the participating scholars at the designated times. Participants receive a small stipend (up to $200) to help defray the costs of travel to the program location (Ƶ).

Where will participants be housed?

Participants will be housed in the dormitories on the Ƶ campus during the program. Program counselors will be housed with the program participants.

Can I bring a car?

Participants MAY NOT bring a car to the program and are required to be transported in by modes provided by the program.

What about medical coverage?

Program participants ARE NOT covered by the standard Ƶ medical coverage and must provide copies of insurance and a parent/guardian must sign a waiver permitting program staff to seek medical assistance for the scholars as needed prior to the start of the program.

What should I bring?

Participants are encouraged to bring any items, which they deem necessary to make them comfortable; however, a standard list is provided below.

Items to Bring

  • Bedding for a twin sized bed, including a blanket/comforter, sheet sets, etc.
  • Pillow(s) & pillow case(s)
  • Towels & washcloths
  • Disinfectant & air freshener
  • Bathroom Cleaning Supplies
  • Toiletries (deodorant, toothpaste/brush etc.)
  • Shower shoes (flip-flops) & Cap
  • Clothes hangers
  • Telephone
  • Iron/ Ironing board
  • Desk lamp
  • Alarm clock
  • Small throw rug
  • Umbrella
  • Comfortable clothing, including at least one “dressy” outfit
  • Comfortable shoes, including sneakers/tennis shoes

Other Suggested Items

Recreational games and entertainment (Bring at your own risk!), snacks for dorm room and/or snack money for field trips, fan, power surge/strip.

Items NOT Allowed

Microwaves, hot plates, electrical grills, toasters, other heating appliances, extension cords, pets, candles, incense, and furniture.

When does the programs begin and end?

In general, the programs will begin early June and end two weeks thereafter. Please visit theto find out more information on the programs dates.

How do I get directions to Tuskegee?

Please visit the following website to obtain driving directions
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Will I have to pay for meals during the program?

While housed in the university dorms, participants will also be provided a meal plan (three meals/day). Meals will also be provided during field trips. Scholars may purchase snacks from the snack bar each evening (items generally cost $.50-$1.00).

Are handicapped facilities available?

Yes, Tuskegee hasreasonable accommodations and services which may include buildings which are handicapped accessible. Services may include extra time for exams, special seating arrangements, a class note taker, extended time for papers/projects, frequent one-on-one conferences, and/or alternate format materials (i.e. taped recorded classes, taped texts, etc.). Accommodations and services are designed to meet each individual’s needs.

When will I know if I have been accepted to the program?

Applicants will be notified no later than April 30 of their acceptance status, which will include accepted, alternate, or denied. Selected applicants will have 48 hours to accept their position. A negative response or lack of response within that timeframe will result in the invitation of an alternate.

How many participates will be accepted?

A minimum of 16 participants will be selected for the AgDiscovery and 10-15 for Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK each year.

Program Contacts

Dr. Jacquelyn Jackson​
AgriTREK/SciTREK and AgDiscovery Program Director
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202 Morrison-Mayberry Hall
Tuskegee, AL 36088
Tel: (334) 724-4953
Fax: (334) 727-8552
E-mail:Jjackson1@tuskegee.edu

Demetria Jones-Williams
Administrative/Program Assistant
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205Mary Starke HarperHall
Tuskegee, AL 36088
Tel: (334) 727-8453
E-mail:dwilliams3@tuskegee.edu

About the Colleges

In the summer of 2004, the College of Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Sciences (now College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences - CAENS) in collaboration with the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Physical Sciences (now College of Engineering) at Ƶ and Southeastern Consortium of Minority Engineer (SECME), Incorporated developed a residential program called the AgriTREK/SciTREK Summer Institute. This program is funded by the USDA/CSREES (now NIFA) program and the NSF. In 2011, AgDiscovery, which shares the goals of the AgriTREK/SciTREK program, was initiated at Ƶ. This program is primary funded by USDA-APHIS with contributions from others, such as USDA-Forest Service.

Please click the links below to find out more about the two colleges.

Other Summer Programs

Ƶ has various summer program. CLICK HERE for more infomration.