USDA-AFRI-EWD-FANE Program

ASTEMA — Advancing STEM in Agriculture is a paid internship program for high school students that includes a year-long online program and a summer research camp. It is open to students who will be 11th and 12 graders in 2024-25 academic year interested in STEM applications in agriculture. Participants will paid a $1,000 stipend after completion of a full academic year of online program and a three-week travel camp in July and August. The deadline to apply for the program is Sept. 15, 2024.

Opening ceremony for Jookender program July 11, 2023. (Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Agriculture Communication Photographer)

Open to all high school students from 50 states and territories – limited to 20 participants per year.

The program welcomes students who will be 11th and 12th graders in 2024-25 academic year from the following groups — African-Americans, Spanish Latinos, women, 1st generation in college, children of new immigrants, and Ukrainian refugees.

Students should plan to go to college and be interested in STEM applications in agriculture. All applying students must have the authorization to work in the US for any employer and have to complete at least one science year-long class with a grade of C or higher.

$1,000 stipend will be paid in full after completion of a full academic year online program and a 3-week overnight travel camp (two last weeks of July and first week of August). Transportation and housing are provided. Limited food allowance will also be provided. All program participants must attend online webinars during the 2024-25 school year and a camp.

To learn more about the program and apply, read the full description at https://sites.google.com/view/astema/description-and-application, then prepare the follow documents:

  • One page essay explaining your interest in STEM in agriculture and how the internship will help advancing your career
  • Resume (must include applicant’s and parent/guardian’s emails)
  • Unofficial school transcripts.

Email the application and documents to Dr. Victoria Volkis at vvolkis@umes.edu

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