How to Apply
The PSLS program has a two-part application process. Students must submit an online application and mail supporting documents to our office. To be considered for the program, students must submit the following materials:

Essay
Resume
Letter of Recommendation
Official Transcript
Proof of application for U.S. citizenship if you are not currently a U.S. citizen

Please note that failure to include any of the above documents by the deadline will result in automatic disqualification.

Tips for Completing Your Application

Make sure your resume is current and relevant to this program.
Ask someone to write your letter of recommendation NOW. You want to give that person as much time as possible to write a quality letter of recommendation.
Request to have your transcript sent NOW. It can take up to two weeks to have official transcripts sent.

Step One: Apply Online

The following information must be submitted online at www.usdascholarships.com.

Scholarship Application - Students must register and create a user account to access the online application. Please be sure to use an e-mail address that is frequently checked. Once you create a profile, a verification code will be sent to your e-mail account. You must use this code to proceed to the next part of the application process.

Complete Essay - An essay between 500-800 words is an essential piece of the application process. Please describe your interest in public service and motivation to work for USDA. Also, include information about your educational and career goals and how this scholarship may assist you to achieve them.

Upload Resume - Upload a current resume.


Step Two: Mail Supporting Documents

Letter of Recommendation - Submit ONE TYPED current letter of recommendation on college/university letterhead from your academic counselor, advisor, faculty member, or employer that addresses the Selection Committee specifically. Make sure that your letter of recommendation is from someone who knows you well and can speak to your abilities. The letter should tell us about your: 1) Personal strengths; 2) Leadership qualities; 3) Academic and extracurricular achievements; and 4) Future academic and career aspirations.

Transcript - Submit OFFICIAL college/university transcripts indicating your most recent academic work. Transcripts MUST include your cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. If your transcript does not show a cumulative GPA, request that a school official confirm this information on school letterhead with his or her signature.

Proof of Application for U.S. citizenship - If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need to submit proof of citizenship. Applicants in the final stages of obtaining U.S. citizenship will be considered for the scholarship program. Please submit a copy of your application for citizenship. You must obtain citizenship within one year of acceptance into the USDA Public Service Leaders Scholarship Program.

Please mail the above documents to:
USDA Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program Attn: Sandra Peñaherrera
P.O. Box 44083
Washington, DC 20026-4083

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!!

Please contact Ms. Sandra Peñaherrera, HSI National Student Program Manager, at (210) 921-5130 or sandra.penaherrera@ars.usda.gov with any questions. Thank you for your interest in the USDA's Public Service Leaders Scholarship Program!