USDA Ag Discovery Program

Learn about career possibilities in the plant, animal and veterinary sciences, and learn how the USDA protects the American food supply.  Over four weeks, students will live on the University of Illinois campus, at the Illinois Street Residence Hall (ISR) - Wardall Hall, and have hands-on experiences in animal and plant laboratories, conducting small laboratory exercises under supervision of plant and animal scientists, and veterinarians, employed by the University and USDA.  Field trips will be to USDA facilities, agricultural businesses, conservation areas, and zoological facilities to experience the vast aspects of the food and agriculture system. Students enhance academic skills in math, science and computers.  Selected students will also have the opportunity to participate in a two week S.T.E.M. education series of workshops in advance of Ag Discovery sponsored through the Research Apprentice program.  The program is a summer S.T.E.M. experience at the University of Illinois, funded by USDA APHIS. Students invited to participate will be required to pay a $50.00 equipment and technology usage fee.