The U.S. Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2011 USDA Public Service Leaders Scholarship Program! This program provides a combined scholarship and internship opportunity to college and university students leading to permanent employment with USDA upon completion of their degree.

Students selected into the program will receive:

* Full-tuition scholarship

* Paid internship leading to permanent employment

* Employee benefits, mentoring, career development, and leadership training and use of a personal computer

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Employees of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) participants are not eligible to apply for or receive this scholarship. The USDA PSLS is open to students who meets the following requirements:

* U.S. citizen, or will attain citizenship within a year of being accepted to the program;

* Currently enrolled in a college/university degree-seeking program with a minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale;

* Able to attend a mandatory orientation in Washington, D.C. from June 26-July 2, 2011;

* Willingness to relocate upon graduation

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

* And meet major and class level requirements of each scholarship.

Successful applicants are leaders in their community and committed to public service. Selectees will intern during the summer and return to their home institution to complete degree requirements. Airfare is paid for by the agency. 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. For a listing of available scholarships and to apply online, please visit www.usdascholarships.com.

The application deadline is May 9, 2011. If you have any questions, please contact me at (202) 720-6506 or Sandra.cortez@ars.usda.gov.