The College of Agriculture at Purdue University has received a $100,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help increase the multicultural diversity of the food and agricultural scientific and professional workforce, and to advance the educational achievement of all Americans. Five newly admitted students will be selected to receive four-year scholarships to help defray some of the costs of their education. The scholarships are intended to encourage outstanding students from racial and ethnic groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the food and agricultural sciences to pursue and complete baccalaureate degrees in these fields.

As we select Scholars we intend to take into consideration the student's academic ability, commitment to a career in the food and agricultural sciences, social and economic background, chosen major, and what she or he might contribute to the enhancement of cultural diversity and leadership in American agriculture. To be eligible to receive one of these scholarships a student must be a U.S. citizen and be admitted and enrolled as a full time student in a baccalaureate program in the College of Agriculture at Purdue. Students from all racial and ethnic groups are eligible for scholarships.

1. The student applicant must be admitted to an academic program in the College of Agriculture at Purdue University.

2. The student will complete an application form by February 15, 2006 that will include a 300-500 word statement from the student describing his/her background, experience, and interest in pursuing a career in agriculture.

3. The student will arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent from adults, who are not relatives, but are familiar with the student’s academic and extracurricular activities and leadership potential.

4. Complete the Web-based Multicultural Scholars Program application.

5. Contact Dr. Ron Coolbaugh, by email at coolbaugh@purdue.edu or by telephone at 765-494-9902, for further information.

• Participate actively in Boiler Goldrush during summer before first year
• Register for at least 12 credits each semester
• Submit a copy the first week of each semester of academic, work, and extracurricular activity schedules to co-directors
• Attend all classes enrolled in during each semester
• Attend all announced MSP group meetings
• Attend all scheduled meetings with the co-directors
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Demonstrate a commitment to a selected academic discipline
• Keep academic advising appointments
• Develop and maintain a current resume
• Be active in at least one professional organization and/or extracurricular activity each semester and eventually provide leadership to at least one of these
• Participate in progressively challenging projects (extension internships, research projects, studies abroad, or professionally related summer employment
• Serve as a spokesperson for the University, College, and Program

• Scholarships providing a maximum of $5,000 per year for four years
• Boiler Goldrush prior to first fall semester to ease the transition to college life
• Mentoring and Student Support Services
• Faculty mentors
• Graduate tutors
• Director of Multicultural Programs
• Co-Directors of MSP
• Peer mentors
• Campus organizations and centers
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Leadership Certificate Program
• Study Abroad
• Purdue Extension internship
• Undergraduate research
• Linkages with industry
• Professional meetings
• DiversiKey Program

Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran.  For a more complete statement of Purdue’s policies of equal access and equal opportunity, visit http://www.purdue.edu/Purdue/nondiscrimination/. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Human Relations at vphr@purdue.edu or 765-494-5830.