Youths in College!

Each year, the Alcorn State University School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences opens its doors to youth from both in- and out-of-state for fun and educational summer programs. Registration is now open. The summer 2017 calendar includes four camps for youth of various ages. The summer camps and their scheduled dates and times are:

E.X.C.E.L Program (June 5-16)

The E.X.C.E.L Program is an agriculture and natural resources focused summer camp for rising 12^th graders and recent high school graduates. Up to 24 youth from across the country will be selected to attend this two-week, residential program on the Lorman campus.

During the two-week period of June 5-16, underserved youth will discover the joys of conservation and natural resource management, which will include wildlife management, forestry, and other agriculture disciplines. Participants will learn the importance of conserving natural resources, wildlife management, the human dimension, and Geographic Information System (GIS), and remote sensing as tools.

Program participants will, also, be introduced to career opportunities offered in various fields by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fishery, and other federal agencies. In addition, program participants will reside on the campus of Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi providing them with a brief glimpse into campus residential life.

Deadline for applying is April 25. Selected applicants will be notified by email no later than May 15. For more details, contact Casnacita S. Gray, student services coordinator, at 601-877-6552 or [email protected].

Department of Advanced Technologies (STEM) Summer Camps (June and July, Lorman and Vicksburg)

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Camps sponsored by the Department of Advanced Technologies for youth entering grades 2-12 will be offered in June and July. The camps will offer educational, creative, and recreational activities. Youth will be exposed to cutting-edge topics and provided practical training in the areas of computer science, math, robotics, physics and technology.

The dates, times and locations of the camps are:

Lorman Campus – June 12-16 and July 17-21

Dr. Kenneth L. Simmons, Sr. Technology Building

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Vicksburg Campus – June 19-23 and June 26-30

Vicksburg Campus in the Pemberton Mall

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The cost is $100 per youth, per camp, per week. Registration for the camps are now open and will close on May 30. All camp sessions are based on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited to 30 participates in each camp.

The STEM camps will give youth an opportunity to explore hands-on activities, including nuclear and radiation technology, geographic information systems, digital communication, electronics, and computer technology. The camps will, also, allow youth to participate in technology and engineering, and expose them to a variety of STEM programs they could pursue as a career.

For more details, contact Denease Moore, secretary, at 601-877-6482.

AgDiscovery Camp June 18-30 (Applications for 2018, now open)

The Department of Agriculture will hold AgDiscovery, a veterinary/animal science focused camp for youth ages 12-16 from June 18-30. Sixteen youth from across the country have been chosen for the two-week, residential program located on the Lorman campus. This program allows participants to live on a college campus and learn about agricultural science from university professors, practicing veterinarians, industry representatives, and professionals working for the United States government. Students who participate in AgDiscovery gain experience through hands-on labs, workshops, field trips and various group and team building activities.

Registration for the 2017 AgDiscovery program is now closed. Applicants who are selected to attend one of the programs will be notified by telephone and/or e-mail, directly by the respective university, no later than May 5, 2016. Non-selected applicants will receive a letter in the mail by mid-May.

For more information on how to apply for the 2018 session, please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery or contact Dr. Cassandra Vaughn, assistant professor and university veterinarian, at (601) 877-6541 or [email protected]

Mark your calendar for July 24-28 for the Rock 22 Summer Youth Expo. The expo will be held at Rock 22 Farm/Ranch, 4239 Tom Collins Road, Utica, MS. The camp is for youth ages 13-18, and will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The agricultural and wellness learning camp will cover the following topics:

ATV, Farm and Wildlife Safety
Forestry (Tree ID/Insect ID/Edible Forge)

Wildlife and Fisheries (Preservation/Wildlife/Amazing Animal)
Nutrition and Fitness
Drone Commercial Application Demo/Safety
Career Planning Livestock
Horticulture (Herbs Container Gardening)
Domestic Animals (Horses/Goats/Cattle)

Staff from the Alcorn State University School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Hinds Community College, Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Hinds County Sheriff Department, and Mississippi State University Extension Service will be presenters.

The camp will provide enrichment activities and promote interdisciplinary learning experiences for middle and high school students interested in the industry of agriculture and environmental sciences — with emphasis on career opportunities, emerging technology, citizenship, and leadership development.

Planned activities will encourage, explore and introduce the principles of critical thinking and asking methodical questions, while observing and exploring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Activities will introduce participants to the necessary 21st century skills involved in sharing experiences and improving existing technologies. These skills will inspire life lessons and enhance participants’ desires to influence better life choices; thus, creating a better quality of life that will promote positive youth development.

The camp is free and space is limited; first-come, first-served. Deadline to register: July 21.

To register for the camp, contact Manola Erby, youth specialist, Alcorn State Extension

Program, at 601-857-0250 or [email protected].