AgDiscovery Summer Youth Conference - June 10-20, 2024

• Application Deadline: March 31, 2023 at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/civilrights/agdiscovery/how-do-i-apply
• Cost: Free - Tuition/Meals/Lodging covered by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); *Travel not included
• Size: 18 students (from applications postmarked by April 5)
• Ages: High School students currently in 9th-11th grades
• Main Website & Application Link: USDA AgDiscovery National Program
• Photo Gallery (past camp images): http://bit.ly/FS-JC-ag-discovery-camp-photos

 

What is Ag Discovery?

The USDA Ag Discovery Program was designed to help teenagers explore careers in plant and animal science, wildlife management, agricultural business and other fields related to agriculture and natural resources. The program is made possible by a collaborative agreement between the USDA and cooperating universities.

Ag Discovery at California State University, Fresno will focus on career opportunities in animal and veterinary services, plant health and production, food safety and processing and the overarching business skills needed to move agriculture from farm to fork.

Students will be introduced to the university’s diversified farm and food processing facilities before being immersed in real world experiences. They will participate in labs, workshops, team-building and leadership activities, and field trips throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley of California.

Staff and faculty from Fresno State's Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology will lend their expertise from six departments and three research centers that are committed to hands-on practical learning.

The 1,000-acre University Agricultural Laboratory, better known as the campus farm, reflects the diversity of the one of the nation's productive agricultural regions, California's Central Valley. Its 18 student-run enterprises located right on campus include beef and dairy cattle, equine, poultry, sheep and swine, citrus and nut orchards, vegetable and field crops, wine, raisin and table grape vineyards, and horticulture nursery units. Students also process fresh products at Fresno State's nationally-respected dairy, food and meat processing laboratories, and participate in all aspects of the winemaking profession at the Fresno State Winery, the first bonded winery in the country to be located on a university campus. Student-made products are then sold on-campus at the Gibson Farm Market.

Fresno County raises over 400 commodities on 1.88 million acres of farmland and was the nation's top county in agricultural production for 13 straight years through 2013 and again in 2018-2021. The area is also a national leader in food processing and natural resource management.

Fresno State was established in 1911 and is part of the 23-campus California State University system. The 1,400-acre campus represents the diversity of Fresno County with its 1 million inhabitants speaking +100 languages and integrating agricultural practices from around the world.

The scenic campus is located in the heart of California and surrounded to the north and east by the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

To apply online click here through the USDA AgDiscovery website.