RESEARCH APPRENTICE PROGRAM I
RAP I - Career Exploration
Program I-A: June 15 - June 29, 2008
Program I-B: July 6 - July 26, 2008
Program I-C: June 15– June 29, 2008
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 the three components of the program.
Research Apprentice Program I-A
Business, Science and Technology Component
June 15– June 29, 2008 [Note: New Dates]
RAP I-A is an intensive three-week career exploration and academic enrichment experience sponsored by the Archer Daniels Midland Company which focuses on career awareness activities related to business, science and engineering career pathways related to the food, human and environmental science fields. Participants participate in a series of visits to ADM facilities where they will attend seminars and engage in special learning activities. Students work in teams to solve problems designed by the ADM staff. Students will also be involved in special sessions focused on improving math, writing and basic computer skills. At the end of the program, teams will present to program staff, fellow participants, and ADM staff, the solution to their projects. Special awards will be given to recognize outstanding team presentations as well as individual merit. (Click here to see the outline of the schedule for RAP 1-A)
Research Apprentice Program I-B
Business, Science and Biotechnology Component
July 6 – July 26, 2008
RAP I-B is an intensive three-week career exploration and academic enrichment experience which focuses on career awareness activities related to business, biotechnology and engineering career pathways related to the food, human and environmental science fields. Participants will participate in on site visits to corporate facilities, attend seminars, and engage in special learning activities designed with program sponsors; Cargill, Inc., Pioneer Hi-Bred International, and John Deere Company. Students are placed in teams to solve problems designed by each company. The Cargill teams engage in learning activities to better understand products and services within Cargill's agricultural services, food ingredients and applications business units solving business and animal health related issues. The Pioneer teams learn more about plant genetics, breeding and other biotechnology related issues through activities conducted in research and development facilities. Students also take mini-courses to test math, writing and computer skills. At the end of the program, each team presents to program staff, fellow participants and program sponsors the solution to their projects. Special awards are given to recognize outstanding team project presentations as well as individual merit. (Click here to see the outline of the schedule for RAP 1-B)
Research Apprentice Program I-C
Children, Families and Educational Component
June 17– June 30, 2008
RAP I-C is an intensive two-week career exploration and academic enrichment experience which focuses on awareness of careers related to children, families, education and communication. Participants will participate in visits and engage in discussion with professionals at settings such as museums, schools, daycare centers, hospitals and other related facilities. Special learning activities have been developed by staff in the Department of Human and Community Development at the University of Illinois to help participants to gain an understanding of the various careers paths associated with areas of interest related to families and community. Participants will be placed in teams to solve human science related problems. Participants also take mini-courses to test math, writing and computer skills. At the end of the program, each team presents to program staff, fellow participants and program sponsors the solution to their projects. Special awards are given to recognize outstanding team project presentations as well as individual merit. (Click here to see the outline of the schedule for RAP 1-C)
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 business leaders and scientists
- 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
Application Process
To be considered the student application form, two recommendation forms, and a transcript must be submitted by March 1, 2008 to the address below. Only electronically submitted or typed applications will be accepted. Handwritten or incomplete applications will not be considered. Notification will be after April 1, 2008.
Contact Information
Research Apprentice Program
Dr. Jesse Thompson, Jr., Director
UIUC - College of ACES
1301 W Gregory Drive, Room 109
Urbana, Illinois 61801
Phone: (217)333-3380
Fax: (217)244-6537
E-mail: jthomps5@uiuc.edu
IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to include any of the requested information may result in disqualification. If document is faxed, please mail the original copy to above address. Original signatures are required.
