Agriculture programs give you the chance to learn how food is grown, how farms operate, and how science and technology are used to solve real-world challenges in agriculture. Depending on the program, you might test soil samples, study plant growth, identify crop diseases, monitor environmental conditions, or learn about sustainable farming practices. Some programs will also introduce you to topics such as agricultural biotechnology, animal science, food production, and precision agriculture, in which tools such as drones, sensors, and GPS mapping are used to improve farming. You may work in research labs, greenhouses, farms, or field sites, and learn how agricultural scientists collect data and make decisions. These experiences can help you understand how agriculture connects to science, technology, and environmental sustainability.
Why should you participate in an agriculture program?
If you’re interested in biology, environmental science, sustainability, engineering, or technology, an agriculture program can help you see how these subjects work together in the real world. In addition to farming, an agriculture program can teach you to develop new crop varieties, improve food systems, manage natural resources, and find solutions to environmental challenges. These programs can introduce you to fields such as plant science, animal science, agronomy, food science, agricultural engineering, biotechnology, environmental science, and natural resource management. You’ll also learn the tools, techniques, and scientific concepts used in these fields while exploring possible college majors and career paths.
Key Takeaways
- These 15 programs cover a broad range of hands-on agricultural experiences, from soil science and biotechnology to animal science, food systems, and sustainable farming practices at universities across the country.
- Program formats vary from short, week-long residential camps to longer five- to seven-week internships with paid stipends, so you can choose based on how much time you want to commit.
- Many programs are free to attend and some even offer a stipend or hourly pay, while a few charge a program fee with need-based financial aid available, so cost doesn’t have to be a barrier to participating.
- Several programs pair you directly with faculty mentors or research scientists on an independent project, giving you exposure to real agricultural research methods rather than just classroom learning.
- If you want a longer, mentored research experience focused on plant science, environmental science, or food systems that results in an independent paper, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a mentored path toward a formal academic paper you can submit for publication.
If you’re looking for sustainability internships for high school students, you can find them here. You can also check out environmental science summer programs here.
15 Agriculture Programs for High School Students
1. North Carolina College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences’ Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for High School Students
Location: North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
Cost/Stipend: Free except for a $25 non-refundable application fee; Paid
Cohort size: 12 students (tentative)
Dates: June 14 – 26
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who have at least a 2.8 GPA, are U.S. citizens, and are first-time RAP participants
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University offers a two-week program for high school students interested in food, agricultural, and environmental sciences. During the program, you’ll live on campus, work with research scientists, and complete an independent research project. Past research areas have included food and nutritional science, small farm innovation, animal science, hemp research, human health, specialty crops, ecology, and climate-resilient agriculture. You’ll explore Greensboro landmarks such as the International Civil Rights Center and connect with students from across the country. You’ll also receive enrollment in a major within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences upon completing the program.
2. Cargill-Purdue Agriculture & STEM Academy (C-PASA)
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Cost: Free
Cohort size: 36 students
Dates: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: Typically, late March or April
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
The Cargill Purdue Agriculture and STEM Academy is a one-week residential program that offers hands-on learning, academic exploration, and career discovery. You’ll engage with multiple academic departments and explore a variety of opportunities within Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, while also experiencing campus life as a Purdue student. You’ll get to visit research sites, laboratories, and off-campus facilities where you’ll take part in practical learning activities. You’ll interact with Purdue students, faculty, industry professionals, and leaders from major agricultural companies such as Cargill, Syngenta, Corteva, and BASF. You’ll also learn about future education and career paths in agriculture and STEM.
3. Pennsylvania School for Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences (PSEAS)
Location: Pennsylvania State University – College of Agricultural Sciences, University Park, PA
Cost: Free
Cohort size: Small cohort size
Dates: June 21 – July 3; July 12 – 25
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Current high school juniors with Pennsylvania residency who attend a public, charter, or private secondary school, or are homeschooled
The Pennsylvania School for Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences is a residential summer program at Penn State University Park that allows you to explore agriculture, research, and college life. You’ll explore advanced research facilities and participate in hands-on laboratories focused on food systems, renewable energy, and biological engineering. You’ll study aquatic and forest ecosystems, learn technical skills such as floral design, and examine alternative energy technologies like digesters. You’ll also address real-world agricultural challenges by writing a paper on food insecurity and completing a community service learning project. The program aims to help you gain a broader understanding of agriculture.
4. NC State University’s High School Summer Research Program
Location: NC State University – College of Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Dates: July 13 – 24
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school students
NC State University’s High School Summer Research Program helps you explore forestry, natural resources, and agriculture. It is funded by the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund and offered in partnership with the NC State College of Natural Resources and North Carolina A&T College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. You’ll learn about career paths and professional development from undergraduate and graduate students as well as industry professionals. You’ll also attend seminars hosted by NC State’s Office of Undergraduate Research, participate in the annual Research and Creativity Symposium, and interact with other students interested in similar fields.
5. UC Davis’ Pre-College Program: The Future of Agriculture
Location: University of California, Davis, CA
Cost: $5,995 (residential); $4,995 (commuter); $100 application fee
Cohort size: Limited spots are available
Dates: July 8 – 17; Orientation: July 7
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores to seniors
UC Davis’s Future of Agriculture pre-college program introduces you to agricultural science and innovation. You’ll explore sustainable farming practices, food systems, and emerging agricultural technologies and take part in interactive activities and sessions led by faculty, researchers, and industry professionals. You’ll also participate in guided visits to UC Davis agricultural facilities such as high-tech laboratories, research fields, greenhouses, and the UC Davis Student Farm. The program will also help you interact with experts, learn about the science behind food and sustainability, and gain a broader understanding of modern agriculture and its future.
6. University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences’ Young Scholars Internship Program
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campuses, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 1 – July 7 (Internship Program); July 8 – 10 (Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference)
Application Deadline: November 3 – January 23
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (16+) onward who are first-time participants and have completed one high school science course with a laboratory component, as well as one semester of algebra
The University of Georgia’s Young Scholars Program is a paid five-week summer internship for high school students interested in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. You’ll work on supervised research projects with a faculty mentor at the Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campus and participate in workshops and visits to agricultural operations that will introduce you to different areas of agricultural study and career opportunities. During the final three days, you’ll attend the Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference on the Athens campus and present your research in a poster session showcasing the work completed during the internship.
7. NC State University’s Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders (IFAL)
Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 14 – 19
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors interested in careers in agriculture
NC State University’s Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders is a week-long leadership program for students interested in exploring agricultural careers. It is offered in partnership with the North Carolina Farm Bureau and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. During the program, you’ll meet with departmental representatives to explore potential majors and take part in leadership workshops and service activities. Conference counselors, university faculty, and Farm Bureau staff also provide supervision and guidance. You’ll visit NC State research and teaching farms, meet with agricultural leaders, and explore industries that use new technologies and innovations. You’ll also tour the General Assembly, agribusinesses, and North Carolina Farm Bureau offices.
8. Good Works Summer Teen Agricultural Internship
Location: 10-15 gardens located at the homes of some of the Athens County residents
Cost/Stipend: Free; $500 stipend offered
Cohort size: Around 4-6 students per summer
Dates: June 15 – July 31 (3 days a week)
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Local teenagers between the ages of 14-17
The Good Works Summer Teen Agricultural Internship is a seven-week program that allows you to learn about agriculture and service. You’ll help start and maintain 10 to 15 home gardens in Athens County, working with staff, volunteers, and community members who may be experiencing food insecurity due to poverty, disability, or aging. The program will teach you practical food production and soil care skills and introduce you to sustainable agriculture practices such as organic gardening, natural weed and pest management, composting, soil improvement, and raising pastured chickens. You’ll also discuss agriculture-related readings, build relationships with neighbors, and develop leadership, compassion, teamwork, responsibility, work ethic, and healthy habits for life and work.
9. University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences’ AgriQuest Youth Summer Camp
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost: $300; Full need-based scholarships available
Cohort size: Small cohort size
Dates: June 6 – 12
Application Deadline: November 2 – March 5
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores to seniors
The UGA CAES AgriQuest Youth Summer Camp is a seven-day residential program during which you’ll explore agriculture and environmental sciences through labs, workshops, lectures, and experiential learning activities. You’ll participate in agrobiology experiments and environmental analysis focused on soil systems, sustainability, and water quality. The program also offers an introduction to biotechnology, genetics, and agricultural technologies used in crop and food production. You’ll get to interact with livestock, tour greenhouses, and study plant biology and propagation. Faculty seminars, major mapping workshops, and conversations with industry professionals will help you learn about agricultural careers, food systems, conservation, resource management, and sustainability.
10. MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP)
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid weekly
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: July 5 – 31
Application Deadline: December 22 – March 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11
Michigan State University’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Program is a four-week summer program that allows you to experience college life and explore careers in agriculture, food science, natural resources, and related fields. You’ll gain hands-on experience in areas such as food science, animal sciences, forestry, horticulture, crop and soil sciences, environmental management, agricultural engineering, and veterinary medicine. You’ll work with a College of Agriculture and Natural Resources faculty mentor on a research project and daily research activities and participate in leadership seminars, social and cultural events, field trips, lab and field work, and technical training. You’ll also get opportunities to interact with faculty, students, professionals, and agricultural industry leaders.
11. Seed Crew at The Food Project
Location: The Food Project’s urban and suburban farms in Boston and the North Shore (Lincoln, Lynn, and Wenham), MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $15.50 per hour
Cohort size: 72 students
Dates: July 6 – August 12 (North Shore); July 6 – August 13 (Greater Boston)
Application Deadline: April 10 (North Shore); April 24 (Greater Boston)
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-17 years old
The Food Project’s Seed Crew is a six-week agriculture summer program that combines paid work, agricultural science, and leadership development. You’ll work each week with staff to grow vegetables, contribute to community gardens in eastern Massachusetts, and distribute thousands of pounds of produce. Morning farm work will introduce you to the environmental, production, and industrial sides of agriculture, as well as allow you to build teamwork, workplace, leadership, and civic engagement skills. You’ll spend your afternoons in workshops on sustainable agriculture, social justice issues in agriculture and food science, food access and insecurity, and the broader complexities of the food system and community food distribution.
12. Barnard College’s Pre-College Program: Plate + Planet Lab
Location: Barnard College, New York, NY
Cost: $8,160 (Commuter); $10,771 (Residential) + $2,611 (add-on, optional); Students who apply after the priority deadline must pay a $75 application fee; Need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 20 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 9 (priority); April 15 (final)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (14+)
Barnard’s three-week Plate and Planet Lab allows you to explore the U.S. food system by examining food production, consumption, distribution, and waste management. You’ll visit farms across New York City and New York State, learn directly from farmers, and work at a local farm, as well as study sustainable agriculture practices. You’ll learn about food policy, health, food recovery efforts, food insecurity, and justice issues in New York City. You’ll examine how climate change affects food systems, the role of agriculture in both climate challenges and solutions, and the importance of soil health, which includes soil coverage, composting, biodiversity, and soil disturbance. You’ll receive guidance from experts and complete a final project on a chosen area of interest.
13. UConn Pre-College Summer Program – Nutrition: Food Science and Technology
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost: $2,250 (by April 1); $2,350 (after April 1) + $50 non-refundable application fee
Cohort size: Limited spots are available
Dates: July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling; Enroll by April 1 to receive a $100 discount
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen to juniors (ages 14-17) who have completed at least one year of high school before the program begins and have a minimum GPA of 2.0
The University of Connecticut’s Nutrition: Food Science and Technology summer program is a one-week course that allows you to learn about agriculture, nutrition, and science. You’ll study food science and technology, food microbiology, chemistry, food safety, and food production and learn about how science influences food preparation and processing. The program introduces topics such as food quality assurance, engineering and technology, sensory evaluation, product development, packaging, marketing, and food regulations. Along with lectures and class discussions, you’ll take part in hands-on laboratory experiments and workshops that test the composition and safety of food samples. You’ll also learn about modern food industry technologies, career opportunities in food and nutrition, and how to make informed food choices.
14. U.S. Department of Agriculture’s AgDiscovery Program
Location: 10 universities across the U.S.
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: Multiple 1-week sessions run between June 8 – July 24
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the location; Directly apply to the participating university
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
The USDA AgDiscovery Program is a free, one-week residential summer program that allows you to live on college campuses and explore careers in agricultural sciences. It is sponsored by the USDA, APHIS, and partner universities. The program includes hands-on activities in biotechnology, DNA analysis, invasive species identification, veterinary diagnostics, animal health, crop production, soil science, and wildlife management. You’ll learn about food cultivation, weed identification, plant nutrients, soil health, GIS mapping, and precision agriculture technologies. You’ll visit USDA research facilities, testing centers, farms, ranches, and crop production sites. You’ll also interact with university professors, research scientists, federal veterinarians, and other agricultural professionals.
15. University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences’ Animal Science in Action
Location: UGA Animal and Dairy Science Department, Athens, GA
Cost: $100
Cohort size: Maximum 40 students
Dates: May 27 – 28
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who can submit a PSAT or SAT score
Animal Science in Action is a two-day summer program for students interested in animal science, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. Hosted by the University of Georgia’s Department of Animal and Dairy Science, the program includes hands-on laboratory experiments and visits to the college’s teaching farms. You’ll work with faculty and current College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences students and learn about livestock production and management. You’ll work with beef and dairy cattle, horses, swine, and sheep and participate in laboratory demonstrations covering the biological, physiological, and agricultural aspects of animal science. You’ll also learn about veterinary school requirements and careers in agribusiness, animal breeding, pharmaceuticals, and related fields.
FAQ
What kinds of agriculture programs are available to high school students?
You’ll find a mix of formats, including research-focused programs like the University of Georgia’s Young Scholars Internship and NC State’s High School Summer Research Program, hands-on farming experiences like the Seed Crew at The Food Project and the Good Works Summer Teen Agricultural Internship, and shorter exploratory camps like NC State’s Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders. Some programs, like the USDA’s AgDiscovery Program, combine biotechnology, animal health, and land management into a single week-long experience.
Do you need prior agricultural experience to apply?
Most of these programs don’t require prior agricultural experience. Eligibility is usually based on your grade level, GPA, or state residency rather than a background in farming or lab work. That said, a completed science course with a lab component is required for the University of Georgia’s Young Scholars Program, so it’s worth checking each program’s specific prerequisites.
Are there free options available?
Yes, quite a few of these programs don’t charge a program fee. The Cargill-Purdue Agriculture & STEM Academy, the Pennsylvania School for Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences, NC State’s programs, and the USDA’s AgDiscovery Program are all free to attend. Some, like the Good Works Summer Teen Agricultural Internship and the Seed Crew at The Food Project, are free and also offer a stipend or hourly pay.
Which programs offer stipends or paid positions?
Several of these programs pay participants. The Seed Crew at The Food Project pays $15.50 per hour, the Good Works Summer Teen Agricultural Internship offers a $500 stipend, and the University of Georgia’s Young Scholars Internship Program and Michigan State’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Program are both paid opportunities. The North Carolina A&T Research Apprenticeship Program is also paid, aside from a small application fee.
Which programs focus specifically on research rather than general career exploration?
If you’re looking for a genuine research experience, the North Carolina A&T Research Apprenticeship Program, NC State’s High School Summer Research Program, and the University of Georgia’s Young Scholars Internship all place you with a faculty mentor on an independent project, often concluding with a poster presentation. Programs like NC State’s Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders and the UGA AgriQuest Camp lean more toward career exploration and hands-on learning rather than an independent research output.
Is there a way to pursue independent research beyond these structured programs?
Yes. If you want to move from a structured program into an original research project, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication in fields like plant science, environmental science, or food systems. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.
When should you apply?
Deadlines for these programs are spread across the year, so it helps to plan ahead. Several early deadlines fall between November and January, including the University of Georgia’s Young Scholars Program and Michigan State’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Program . February brings deadlines for the North Carolina A&T Research Apprenticeship Program and the Pennsylvania School for Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences, while March, April, and May round out the year with deadlines for programs like NC State’s Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders, the Seed Crew at The Food Project, and the Good Works Summer Teen Agricultural Internship.
Image source: University of California Davis