Students looking for something to do this summer can sign up for the 2010 Summer Apprenticeship Program at Alcorn State University.

Alcorn’s Department of Agriculture is sponsoring the program, which aims to teach young people the importance of agriculture.

“As a land-grant university, ASU has the responsibility of producing food and agriculture scientists, whose services are needed in the state, nation and world,” said program director and interim director of ASU Experiment Station Dr. Patrick Igbokwe. “The long-term future of agriculture and agriculture extension programs depends on how successfully we recruit and educate young people.”

The program is open to high school juniors and seniors in Claiborne, Jefferson, Adams and Warren counties. Students must have an ACT score of 18 or higher, as well as a GPA of 3.0 or better.

Students also must submit two letters of recommendation and write an essay telling why they want to participate. The program, which runs July 1-30, is limited to 20 students who will each receive a $750 stipend. The deadline to submit an application is May 28.

Send applications to: Zulma Cuadra, Alcorn State University, 1000 ASU Drive #750, Alcorn State, MS 39096. For more information, call Igbokwe at 601-877-6542.