Research Apprentice Program I
RAP I--June 30th through July 27th 2013
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) is pleased to invite applications from current high school freshmen and sophomores of under-served and economically disadvantaged groups to participate in the Research Apprentice Program I (RAP-I). Described below are some of the components of the program:
Introduction to Careers in the Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and Team Project PresenTation
Students will be assigned to small groups or teams where they develop a presentation based on a set of special learning activities. The RAP I activities require each team to demonstrate a basic understanding of the food supply chain, i.e., production, marketing, transportation processing, and advertising perspectives. A series of visits and seminars held at various businesses serve as a resource base for the information necessary to successfully complete this exercise. All RAP I activities emphasize teamwork, problem-solving, computer skills and presentation skill. At the end of the program, each team presents the outcomes of their assigned project activities.
The RAP I group will work on team projects co-designed by and co-sponsored by representatives from Kraft Foods Inc, Oscar Mayer, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, PepsiCo (Barrington Group), and Lincoln Park Zoo.
Laboratory and Science Skills
Teams sponsored by Kraft Foods Inc and Kraft Oscar Mayer will visit various facilities where they will learn about various aspects of food science, product development, manufacturing and marketing. Students sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred will learn about plant breeding and genetic engineering at the Pioneer Research Laboratories in Johnston, Iowa and local facilities located in Champaign County. The PepsiCo team experience involves a visit to the PepsiCo Research and Development Facility in Barrington, IL and Quaker Oats facility in Danville Illinois. The Animal Sciences team hosted by Lincoln Park Zoo's Farm in the Zoo will learn about animal health and nutrition, while understanding how animal research impacts human health.
All students will be participating in a special hands-on mini-laboratory and science exercises developed to help them understand the application of math and science in various areas in the food, human and environmental sciences.
The Research Apprentice Program I offers:
- Free housing and an 18 meals-per-week plan
- Hands-on mini-laboratory exercises focusing on math and science skills
- Interesting seminars from outstanding leaders and scientist in business, government and education
- Field trips to gain an a better understanding of the application of math, science and technology
- Development of team work and critical thinking skills
- Mentoring, career development, college counseling
- Improvement of basic computer skills
- Opportunities to develop new friends and improve social skills
Eligibility
Successful applicants are:
- primarily from traditionally under-served ethnic minority groups and economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- freshmen or sophomores at the time of the application;
- ranked in the top 25%; and have a B average;
- display curiosity, cooperation, work ethic in their references
- display an interest in learning more about the areas listed on the application
