USDA Hispanic Serving Institutions National Program

Eligibility

How to Apply

Important Dates

Orientation

Student Commitment

2008 Scholarship List


			Application Deadline: March 25, 2008 Notification Date: April 15, 2008 Mandatory Orientation Week: July 6-12, 2008 in Washington, DC


			• Be U.S. citizen or be in the final stage of the application of the U.S. citizenship within a year of being accepted to the program; • Be a college student in good academic standing (2.75 GPA based on 4.0 scale); • Have strong interest in a career in public service with the USDA; • Ability to attend mandatory orientation in Washington, DC • Meet major and class level requirements of the scholarship position applying to. To be eligible for the program, students must meet all the requirements.

USDA Public Service Leaders Scholarship

The USDA is announcing the Public Service Leaders Scholarship Program for students interested in pursuing a career with the USDA upon graduation. The application is available now and the deadline to apply for this program is March 25, 2008.

Background
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Public Service Leaders Scholarship Program provides combined scholarship and internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students leading to permanent employment upon completion of their degree. The program is designed to promote public service and create access to higher education.

The program offers:
Full-tuition scholarships
Paid internship (minimum 640 hours) leading to permanent employment
Employee benefits such as:
Mentoring
Career development
Leadership training
Use of a personal computer

Recipients of a Public Service Leaders Scholarship enter into an agreement with the USDA to receive full-tuition scholarships for the indicated number of years. In addition, recipients intern at the USDA for a minimum of 640 hours prior to graduation. The internships are paid in addition to the scholarship funds. Students may be required to work during the upcoming summer. Recipients are required to work for the USDA for one year for every year of sponsorship upon graduation.

Targeted Majors
Doctoral Level: Economics. Student must be in a PhD level Economics program or begin their studies in the Fall 2008.

Undergraduate Level (Rising Juniors preferred): Civil Engineering, Agriculture, Soils, Statistics, Business, Plant & Crop Sciences.

The USDA offers the opportunity to:
Make a difference in the nation and the world
Obtain a challenging and interesting job assignment
Gain experience in your career field
Develop your leadership skills
Upon graduation, scholarship recipients become permanent employees of the USDA and must be prepared to work for USDA for one year for each year of educational assistance received.

Successful applicants are:
Committed to public service
Leaders in their community
Intellectually curious

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!

2007 United States Department of Agriculture | Policy Statements