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.

SCHOLARSHIP #1: USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)

Position Title: Statistician

Academic Level: Student beginning their college Junior year in 2011 preferred

Desired Majors: Math, Statistics, Agriculture, Ag Business, Ag Economics/Management/Marketing, Ag Production and Technology, Agronomy, Animal Science or related field.

SCHOLARSHIP #2: USDA-Forest Service (FS)

Position Title: Public Affairs Specialist

Academic Level: Student beginning their college Junior year in 2011 preferred

Desired Majors: Public Relations/Affairs, Journalism, Communications, Government, Public Policy.

NOTE: Please check back periodically at http://www.usdascholarships.com/ as new scholarships will be potentially posted.

— APPLY NOW!

Start your Application: http://www.usdascholarships.com/applications/signup.asp

Application Deadline: Monday – May 9, 2011

The program offers…

· Full-tuition scholarships

· Paid internship (minimum 640 hours) leading to permanent employment

· Employee benefits such as mentoring, career development and leadership training

· Use of a personal computer

To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

· Be a U.S. citizen, or be in the final stages of the application process for U.S. citizenship, and will attain citizenship within a year of being accepted to the program;

· Be in good academic standing with at minimum 2.75 GPA based on a 4.0 scale at an accredited college or university in the United States;

· Willingness to relocate upon graduation (Mobility Agreement will be signed upon selection);

· Have a strong interest in a career in public service with the USDA;

· Exhibit leadership and community involvement;

· Be intellectually curious;

· Attend a mandatory orientation in Washington, DC from June 26 to July 2, 2011;

· Meet academic and class level requirements of the scholarship.