CAENS Summer Programs

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK and AgDiscovery

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"Preparing the Next Generation of Research Scientists and Engineers."

Program Overview

We are happy to announce that the AgriTREK/SciTREK Summer Institute will be held June 7-20, 2026. The summer programs are being hosted at Tuskegee University by the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, the Tuskegee Center for Advanced Materials and College of Engineering with sponsors, including USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the National Science Foundation.

 

Overview of the Programs

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Overview

The Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Summer Institute is a two-week residential programthat create an awareness of the educational opportunities that are available in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics (STEAM) and related areas through hands-on research, leadership development and personal enrichment activities. Though similar in their mission and goals, these two programs represent two distinct opportunities for individuals interesting in learning more about agriculture and related careers; thus, individuals interested in applying to the AgriTREK/SciTREK Summer Institute Program should apply. For more program information, please contact: Demetria Jones-Williams, Administrative/Program Assistant at 334-727-8453 or dwilliams3@tuskegee.edu.

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Brochure

AgDiscovery Overview

AgDiscovery 2025 is currently paused and will not be accepting applications at this time.

While we do not have a timeframe for this pause, any updates will be posted as they occur here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/careers/students-grads/agdiscovery 

We apologize for any inconvenience.

AgDiscovery Brochure

How to Apply

Summer 2026 applications are now available ONLINE. Applicants are encouraged to complete the online application for  AgriTREK/SciTREK.

Supplemental documents (transcripts, references, etc.) may be emailed to dwilliams3@tuskegee.edu if you experience upload issues. However, electronic submission with your application is the preferred method.

References may also submit letters directly using the reference submission link below. Please ensure they indicate the program you are applying to.

All applications and supplemental documents must be complete and received by the deadline.

Selected will be notified on or before May 5, 2026.

The program will be held June 7–20, 2026.

 

 📌 Deadline Reminder

 The applications are NOW available and the deadline is March 31, 2026.

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Application Materials 

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Online Application
2026 Summer Program Reference Submission Form

Become a Counselor

Interested individuals should submit their Summer Institute Counselor Application using the link below. Use the counselor reference letter link to submit your references and supplemental documents by March 31, 2025. 

FAQs

Who Can Apply?

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Summer Institute:  Students in grades 9th – 12th and returning to high school the Fall semester following the program are eligible to apply for the AgriTREK/SciTREK Summer Institute.  Individuals who have participated in the AgDiscovery program or the AgriTREK/SciTREK Summer Institute at Tuskegee University in a previous year and meet the above criteria is eligible to participate again.

AgDiscovery Summer Program:  Students age 15-17 years old (as of May 31 of the program year) are eligible to apply for the AgDiscovery Program.  Individuals who have participated in the AgDiscovery program at Tuskegee University in a previous year are not eligible to participate again; however, past participants of AgDiscovery at other universities are eligible to apply.

 

Where do I get an application?

Click the “How to Apply” link on the left of the page.

How much does it cost to attend?

The Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Summer Institute and the AgDiscovery Summer Program are both FREE programs.  Participants receive a small stipend (up to $200) to help defray the costs of travel to the program location (Tuskegee University).

Is travel provided?

Travel to/from the program IS NOT provided.  All parents (guardians of) participants are responsible for dropping off and picking up the participating scholars at the designated times.  Participants receive a small stipend (up to $200) to help defray the costs of travel to the program location (Tuskegee University).

Where will participants be housed?

Participants will be housed in the dormitories on the Tuskegee University campus during the program.  Program counselors will be housed with the program participants.

Can I bring a car?

Participants MAY NOT bring a car to the program and are required to be transported in by modes provided by the program. 

What about medical coverage?

Program participants ARE NOT covered by the standard Tuskegee University medical coverage and must provide copies of insurance and a parent/guardian must sign a waiver permitting program staff to seek medical assistance for the scholars as needed prior to the start of the program.

What should I bring?

Participants are encouraged to bring any items, which they deem necessary to make them comfortable; however, a standard list is provided below.

Items to Bring

  • Bedding for a twin sized bed, including a blanket/comforter, sheet sets, etc.
  • Pillow(s) & pillow case(s)
  • Towels & washcloths
  • Disinfectant & air freshener
  • Bathroom Cleaning Supplies
  • Toiletries (deodorant, toothpaste/brush etc.)
  • Shower shoes (flip-flops) & Cap
  • Clothes hangers
  • Telephone
  • Iron/ Ironing board
  • Desk lamp
  • Alarm clock
  • Small throw rug
  • Umbrella
  • Comfortable clothing, including at least one “dressy” outfit
  • Comfortable shoes, including sneakers/tennis shoes

Other Suggested Items

Recreational games and entertainment (Bring at your own risk!), snacks for dorm room and/or snack money for field trips, fan, power surge/strip.

Items NOT Allowed

Microwaves, hot plates, electrical grills, toasters, other heating appliances, extension cords, pets, candles, incense, and furniture.

When does the programs begin and end?

In general, the programs will begin early June and end two weeks thereafter.  Please visit the programs website to find out more information on the programs dates.

How do I get directions to Tuskegee?

Please visit the following website to obtain driving directions
www.tuskegee.edu/tours/visiting-tuskegee/campus-map . 

Will I have to pay for meals during the program?

While housed in the university dorms, participants will also be provided a meal plan (three meals/day).  Meals will also be provided during field trips.  Scholars may purchase snacks from the snack bar each evening (items generally cost $.50-$1.00).

Are handicapped facilities available?

Yes, Tuskegee has reasonable accommodations and services which may include buildings which are handicapped accessible.  Services may include extra time for exams, special seating arrangements, a class note taker, extended time for papers/projects, frequent one-on-one conferences, and/or alternate format materials (i.e. taped recorded classes, taped texts, etc.).  Accommodations and services are designed to meet each individual’s needs.

When will I know if I have been accepted to the program?

Applicants will be notified no later than April 30 of their acceptance status, which will include accepted, alternate, or denied.  Selected applicants will have 48 hours to accept their position. A negative response or lack of response within that timeframe will result in the invitation of an alternate.

How many participates will be accepted?

A minimum of 16 participants will be selected for the AgDiscovery and 10-15 for Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK each year.

Program Contacts

Dr. Jacquelyn Jackson​
AgriTREK/SciTREK and AgDiscovery Program Director
Tuskegee University
202 Morrison-Mayberry Hall
Tuskegee, AL  36088
Tel: (334) 724-4953
Fax:  (334) 727-8552
E-mail: Jjackson1@tuskegee.edu

Demetria Jones-Williams
Administrative/Program Assistant
Tuskegee University
205 Mary Starke Harper Hall
Tuskegee, AL 36088
Tel: (334) 727-8453
E-mail:  dwilliams3@tuskegee.edu

About the Colleges

Summer 2026 applications are now available ONLINE. Applicants are encouraged to complete the online application for  AgriTREK/SciTREK.

Supplemental documents (transcripts, references, etc.) may be emailed to dwilliams3@tuskegee.edu if you experience upload issues. However, electronic submission with your application is the preferred method.

References may also submit letters directly using the reference submission link below. Please ensure they indicate the program you are applying to.

All applications and supplemental documents must be complete and received by the deadline.

Selected will be notified on or before May 5, 2026.

The program will be held June 7–20, 2026.

Deadline Reminder

The applications are NOW available and the deadline is March 31, 2026.

Agri-TREK/Sci-TREK Application Materials 

Other Summer Programs

Tuskegee university has various summer program. CLICK HERE for more information.

📌 Deadline Reminder: The applications are NOW available and the deadline is March 31, 2026.