AgDiscovery is a free summer outreach program to help teenagers explore careers in agricultural sciences. As an AgDiscovery student, you’ll live on a college campus for 2–4 weeks and learn from university professors and USDA experts—plant and animal scientists, biotechnologists, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, administrative professionals, and others.
You’ll gain hands-on experience through labs, workshops, and field trips; participate in character- and team-building activities; and join in many other fun and educational events. It’s a unique chance to get a first-hand look at the many exciting career paths in agriculture.
AgDiscovery offers the following programs:
- Agribusiness focuses on the business aspects of agriculture
- Animal focuses on animal science and health
- Combination incorporates animal, plant, and agribusiness disciplines
- Plant focuses on plant health and science
Location(s)
- Various colleges and universities throughout the U.S.
- See a full list of participating institutions HERE
Schedule
- Dates and duration vary by location
Cost/Compensation
- There is no cost to attend the AgDiscovery program. Tuition, room and board, meals, lab supplies, meals, and activity fees will be covered by APHIS.
- Students selected for the program are only responsible for any costs which may be associated with traveling to the university campus and returning home at the conclusion of the program.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the AgDiscovery Program, you must:
- Meet the university’s grade level and age restriction requirements (see “Eligible Grades” and "Age Restrictions" at Participating Universities). This criteria applies to your current grade level.
- Be available to attend the program in its entirety, including weekends and opening and closing day activities. Please do not apply if you have other commitments (such as summer camp, sports activities, or summer employment) that would prevent you from attending the entire program.
Deadline
- April 15th, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- A completed online application
- Parental release form
- Student contract
- A two-page essay (1,000 word maximum) on “Why I Want to Attend the AgDiscovery Program and What I Want to Learn”. Include your name, address and email address on the first page of the essay. Include information about your interests and hobbies, as well as describe any agricultural science-related courses you have taken, as well as any extracurricular or volunteer activities you have participated in related to agriculture, plant, animal, biological, or veterinary science.
- Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a teacher, counselor, or school administrator
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) is a government agency responsible for protecting U.S. agriculture from pests and diseases, ensuring the safety of agricultural products, and facilitating international trade in agricultural goods. APHIS is part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and has offices and facilities throughout the country. APHIS works closely with other federal agencies, state governments, and international organizations to develop and implement programs and policies to protect U.S. agriculture.
