APHIS Student Outreach Program

United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Program Aid No. 2132

AgDiscovery 2013:
Investing in the Future of American
Agriculture

Apply at www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery

ARE YOU...
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a middle or high school student looking for a unique summer
internship with an opportunity to live and study on a college campus?
a high school student looking to improve your resume for college?
a teacher looking for opportunities to expand your students’ view of
agriculture?
a parent looking for learning opportunities for your teen?

Look no further… the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers you
an opportunity of a lifetime.

WHAT IS AGDISCOVERY?
AgDiscovery is an outreach program to help teenagers learn about careers
in plant and animal science, wildlife management, and agribusiness. The
program allows students to live on a college campus and learn about
agriculture from university professors, scientists, and administrative professionals who work for the U.S. Government in a variety of fields. They study
the life cycles and habits of insects (entomologists); research micro-organisms, such as bacteria and viruses (biotechnologists); examine cells and
tissues under a microscope to identify diseases (plant pathologists); work
to conserve and manage wild animals and their habitats (wildlife biologists);
carry out animal health programs (veterinarians); provide education on
the humane care and treatment of animals (veterinarians and animal care
inspectors); and manage the business aspects of protecting plants and
animals (agribusiness).
This 2- to 4-week summer boarding program for 2013 targets middle and
high school students1 who are interested in learning more about plants,
animals, and agribusiness. Students chosen to participate in AgDiscovery will gain experience through hands-on labs, workshops, and field
trips. Students will also participate in character- and team-building activities and a variety of workshops.
Students between the ages of 12 and 16 are eligible to participate in the AgDiscovery
program at Alcorn State University. For all other participating universities, the eligible ages for
participation are 14 through 17 years old.
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AgDiscovery
WHO SPONSORS AGDISCOVERY?
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) partners with
various universities and colleges to deliver the AgDiscovery program at
locations throughout the country. Many of the Federal Government’s
professional plant scientists, biotechnologists, veterinarians, and wildlife
biologists work for APHIS. The agency funds AgDiscovery each year, and
partner universities host program participants on their local campuses.
In 2013, there are 17 universities participating in AgDiscovery: Florida
Agricultural and Mechanical University, South Carolina State University,
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Kentucky State University, Tuskegee
University, Alcorn State University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Fort Valley
State University, University of Arizona, Delaware State University, University
of Maryland at College Park, Iowa State University, North Carolina State
University, Virginia State University, Lincoln University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Each
university’s AgDiscovery program focuses on a specific area of interest to
our Nation’s agriculture, such as plant health, entomology, veterinary science, animal care, biotechnology, and agribusiness.
AgDiscovery is a unique opportunity for students to gain a first-hand look
at the many career paths open to them in the agricultural sciences. For
those interested in an agricultural career, AgDiscovery is a great way to get
started. Read on to learn more about this year’s program, including dates,
locations, cost information, and how to apply.

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FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY
JUNE 9–22, 2013
Students will live on the Tallahassee campus and work with a variety of
animal species. In addition, students are exposed to opportunities in
animal science to help them better understand and refine their career
paths. Funding is provided by APHIS’ Animal Care program.
Contacts: Dr. Ray Mobley, (850) 445-7423, [email protected]; Dr.
Glen Wright, (850) 599-3546, [email protected]; Carmen LyttleN’guessan, (850) 412-5363, [email protected]
www.famu.edu/herds
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) was founded as
the State Normal College for Colored Students and, on October 3, 1887,
began classes with 15 students and 2 instructors. Today, “FAMU,” as it
has become affectionately known, is the premiere school among historically
black colleges and universities. Prominently located on the highest hill in
Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee, FAMU remains the only historically black
university in the 11-member State University System of Florida.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
JUNE 23–JULY 7, 2013
Learn the business aspects of protecting plants and animals while exploring
careers in agribusiness. Students will also gain exposure to other career paths
in the agricultural sciences, such as veterinary medicine, plant pathology and
physiology, chemistry, marketing, public affairs, and computer science. The
2-week program, held on the South Carolina State University (SC State) campus, features a series of interactive activities, presentations, and educational

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field visits. Funding is provided by APHIS’ Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Business Services.
Contact: Christopher C. Mathis, Jr., Ph.D., (803) 536-8974, [email protected]
www.scsu.edu
Since 1896, SC State has maintained a legacy of excellence in education. It
has been home to generations of scholars and leaders in business, military
service, government, athletics, education, medicine, science, and engineering technology. Located in Orangeburg, SC State was founded as a
land-grant college with a mission of providing education and service to the
citizens of the State.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF
JUNE 15–28, 2013
Students will work with plants and animals to discover the effects of insects
and diseases on American agriculture. Students will also learn about the
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Regulatory Science program,
which offers an undergraduate major in the development and writing of
governmental regulations. Funding is provided by several APHIS programs.
Contact: Willie Columbus, M.S., (870) 575-7252, [email protected]
www.uapb.edu
Unique career choices are available at UAPB. The university’s Aquaculture/
Fisheries (AQFI) Center of Excellence, created in 1988, is recognized as a
leader in aquaculture/fisheries teaching, research, and extension programs.
UAPB is the only school in the University of Arkansas system to offer bachelor and master’s degree programs in aquaculture/fisheries.

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KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
JUNE 9–22, 2013
Students will experience campus life while learning about animal science
and veterinary medicine through a series of workshops, labs, and field trips.
These activities are facilitated by university professionals, veterinarians,
and professionals from various agricultural and animal science industries.
Through the program, APHIS is able to stimulate and promote students’
interest in and knowledge of agriculture-related fields of study.
Contacts: Mrs. JoAna McCoy, (502) 597-5584, [email protected];
Dr. John Hollis, (502) 682-1402, [email protected]
www.kysu.edu
Kentucky State University (KSU) was chartered in May 1886 as the State
Normal School for Colored Persons, only the second State-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky. Founded in 1887, KSU is a historically
black college that is strengthened by both its liberal arts and 1890 landgrant missions. With a 511-acre campus, including a 205-acre agricultural
research and demonstration farm, KSU is the smallest of Kentucky’s public
universities. The university’s enrollment is approximately 2,700 students,
taught by 155 full-time instructional faculty members who provide education and training through bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in
numerous fields of study.

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY
JUNE 9–22, 2013
Students will learn about career opportunities associated with animal and
plant health, focusing on areas such as environmental sciences, animal
sciences, entomology, plant science, soil science, water quality, and related
disciplines. The program also has a strong leadership component designed
to empower students to achieve as they work toward their future careers.
Funding is provided by several APHIS programs.
Contact: Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller, (334) 727-8403, [email protected]
www.tuskegee.edu/agritrek/agdiscovery_overview.aspx
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Tuskegee University, founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, is a national, independent, and State-related institution of higher learning in Alabama
that services a diverse, coeducational student body of more than 3,000.
Tuskegee’s College of Agricultural, Environment, and Nutrition Sciences
(CAENS) offers an education that prepares future professionals and leaders
in the life sciences through coursework along with research and outreach
activities. CAENS programs are influenced by the college’s inherited legacy
of George Washington Carver and his many contributions to teaching,
research, and outreach in agriculture.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
JUNE 16–28, 2013
Enter the amazing world of animal science/veterinary medicine at the
AgDiscovery summer camp at Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS. For
2 weeks, students will interact with peers from across the country to learn
animal husbandry and veterinary science principles and techniques, using
a variety of live animals. Funding is provided by the National Civil Rights
Leadership Committee of the APHIS Veterinary Services unit.
Contact: Dr. Cassandra Vaughn, (601) 877-6541, [email protected]
www.alcorn.edu
For 141 years, Alcorn State University has been an educator of leaders.
The university’s low student-to-faculty ratio (16:1) is an important reason for
its graduates’ success. At Alcorn, students form close, collaborative
relationships with faculty mentors. Alumni include Alex Haley, Michael
Clarke Duncan, Medgar Evers, Donald Driver, Steve McNair, and others.

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UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA
JULY 7–20, 2013
Students will learn about career and educational opportunities in the fields
of animal and plant health, including agricultural sciences, veterinary
sciences, animal and plant disease eradication, plant pathology, entomology, wildlife services, investigative enforcement, and activities of APHIS’
Center for Plant Health, Science, and Technology. Students will experience
many aspects of agribusiness and college campus life through various field
and lab activities. Funding is provided by APHIS’ Plant Protection and
Quarantine program.
Contacts: Charles Kinoshita, Ph.D., (808) 956-6997, kinoshitac@ctahr.
hawaii.edu; Carol Russell, (808) 838-2780, [email protected]
www.hawaii.edu
Founded in 1907, the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) is the
flagship campus of the University of Hawaii System. Students and faculty come from across the Nation and the world to take advantage of UH
Manoa’s diversity and excellence in academics, unique research opportunities, athletics, community involvement, and breathtaking natural beauty.
UH Manoa is grounded in the traditional values of the Native Hawaiian
culture, helping students find their individual academic passions in life and,
ultimately, pursue their callings.

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FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
JUNE 17–28, 2013
Students will have great exposure to DNA technology through hands-on
experiences in agricultural biotechnology while experiencing university campus life. Participants will learn about educational and job opportunities in
animal and plant health-related fields on campus or through field trips. The
program is funded by the National Civil Rights Leadership Committee of the
APHIS Veterinary Services unit.
Contacts: Dr. Cristopher A. Young, (770) 922-7860, cristopher.a.young@
aphis.usda.gov; Dr. Nirmal Joshee, (478) 825-6373, [email protected]
www.fvsu.edu
Fort Valley State University (FVSU), located in Fort Valley, GA, is the only
1890 land-grant university in the 35-member State University System of
Georgia. FVSU is a comprehensive institution with over 3,800 students
and a 1,365-acre campus (the second largest public university campus in
Georgia). The university offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 50
majors—education, business administration, and agriculture are particularly
popular—as well as master’s degrees in animal science, biotechnology,
education, and counseling. The university provides instruction, research,
and public and extension services for all segments of the population to
achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals.

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UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
JUNE 17–28, 2013
Learn about career opportunities and possibilities in animal and plant
health, including agricultural sciences, veterinary sciences, animal and plant
disease eradication, plant pathology, and entomology. Students experience
many aspects of agribusiness and college campus life through various field
and lab activities. The 2-week program is cosponsored by APHIS’ Plant
Protection and Quarantine and Veterinary Services units.
Contacts: Dr. Kurt Nolte, (928) 726-3904, [email protected]; Tess
A. Williams, (602) 431-3208, [email protected]
http://ag.arizona.edu/
The University of Arizona (UA) is a premier, public research university.
Established in 1885 as the first university in Arizona and the State’s landgrant university, UA is building a better Arizona through access, quality,
and discovery. As the primary land-grant component of the university, the
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences administers a variety of programs
at its regional Agricultural Centers and engages in cooperative extension
efforts with Federal, State, and county governments and agencies. These
efforts enhance agriculture, the environment, natural resources, family and
youth well-being, and the development of local communities.
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DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
JULY 7–20, 2013
Learn about the business aspects of protecting plants and animals while
exploring careers in agribusiness. Students live on the Delaware State
University (DSU) campus in Dover and learn about a variety of administrative professions from university professors and agriculture employees. This
program is funded by APHIS’ Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Business Services.
Contacts: Dr. Dyremple B. Marsh, (302) 857-6400, [email protected];
Mr. Harry Thayer, (302) 857-6434, [email protected]
www.desu.edu
DSU, founded in 1891 as the State College for Colored Students, takes
pride in its heritage as one of the country’s first land-grant educational
institutions, rooted early on in agriculture and education. DSU’s current
population includes a 76-percent African-American enrollment and an
increasing number of Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and other international
students.

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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND AT COLLEGE PARK
JULY 7–26, 2013
Learn about plants and animals, the importance of protecting America’s
food supply from insects and disease, the role of regulation in genetically
engineered organisms, and the challenge of managing and resolving wildlife
conflicts. The 3-week program at the University of Maryland’s College Park
campus provides an educational odyssey exploring food, culture, and the
environment. Participants also receive 3 hours of university-level course
credits through the Young Scholars Program. Funding is provided by several offices within APHIS.
Contacts: Dr. Leon Slaughter, (301) 405-2078, [email protected];
Ms. April Brohawn, (301) 314-7222, [email protected]
www.agnr.umd.edu
The University of Maryland at College Park is the flagship campus of the
University System of Maryland and the State’s original 1862 land-grant institution. It is one of only 62 members of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of the leading research universities in the United
States and Canada. The University of Maryland is committed to achieving
excellence as the State’s primary center of research and graduate education and the institution of choice for undergraduate students of exceptional
ability and promise. The university counts among its greatest strengths the
diversity of its faculty, staff, and students.
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IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
JULY 7–20, 2013
Students learn about the interconnection between wildlife biology and
conservation, laboratory technology and diagnostics, animal science, and
veterinary medicine. Every student will have hands-on experience on the
farm, in wildlife environments, and in the laboratory. Activities will include
field trips to several types of farms; lab exercises such as bacterial culture, egg candling and inoculations, animal necropsies, veterinary clinical
procedures, and diagnostic testing; and field trips to conservation areas,
zoological facilities, animal shelters, and research facilities. Students who
have completed a general biology or animal science course will benefit the
most from the program activities. Funding is provided by several APHIS
programs.
Contacts: Rebecca Christoffel, Ph.D., (515) 294-7429, christof@
iastate.edu; Janet B. Payeur, D.V.M., M.P.H., Ph.D., (515) 337-7003,
[email protected]
http://agdiscovery.nrem.iastate.edu
www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services
Iowa State University (ISU) is an international, prestigious university with a
friendly, welcoming personality. Nearly 30,000 students choose from over
100 majors, study with world-class scholars, and hone their leadership
skills in more than 800 student organizations. ISU offers a great environment where students can enjoy reaching their potential and discovering their
passions. The school’s culturally diverse student body includes students
from all 50 States and more than 110 countries.

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NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
JUNE 17–28, 2013
Students learn about careers in plant science, including entomology (the
study of insects), plant pathology (the study of plant diseases), botany
(the study of plants), and agronomy (the science of soil management and
production of field crops). Students live on campus in dorms, learning field
and laboratory research techniques from university professors and practicing entomologists, botanists, and plant pathologists who work for the U.S.
Government. The program is facilitated by The Science House at North
Carolina State University (NCSU) and funded by APHIS’ Plant Protection
and Quarantine unit.
Contacts: Samantha Barlow, (919) 515-6885, [email protected]; Camille Morris, (919) 855-7340, [email protected]
www.science-house.org
With more than 31,000 students and nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, NCSU
is a comprehensive university known for its leadership in education and
research, and it is globally recognized for its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics leadership. As one of the leading land-grant institutions in the Nation, NCSU is committed to playing an active and vital role
in improving the quality of life for the citizens of North Carolina, the Nation,
and the world. Consistently ranked among the Nation’s top 50 public
universities and ranked by Princeton Review as a best value for students,
NCSU is a place where students can fit in—and dig in. NCSU students
start work on their major as freshmen, whether it’s conducting research
alongside faculty or starting a challenging co-op or internship.
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VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
JUNE 16–29, 2013
Students gain hands-on experience in the disciplines of veterinary science
and food safety by working with small ruminants and farmed fish, observing
on-farm processing, and learning field and laboratory research techniques.
Field trips and guest speakers provide exposure to agricultural production
and research, as well as a variety of related professions. Students will
reside in a university dormitory. This program is facilitated by the Virginia
State University (VSU) School of Agriculture, with collaboration from USDA
partners and industry representatives.
Contacts: Antonio McLaren, (804) 524-6872, [email protected]; Roz
Stein, (804) 524-1533, [email protected]
www.vsu.edu
Founded in 1882, VSU holds the distinction of being the Nation’s first fully
State-supported historically black college or university. With a mission
emphasizing the integration of academic instruction, research, and public
service, VSU welcomes students of any race, religion, or ethnic heritage.
The VSU School of Agriculture has strong programs in small ruminants,
food safety, and high-value crops. VSU also owns and operates a 416acre farm and agricultural research center.

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LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
JULY 14–27, 2013
Harvest products from the farm and sell them at the campus farmers
market, learn how to develop value-added products for the farmers market,
and examine urban farming opportunities, aquaculture, and livestock care.
Part of your stay will be in air-conditioned log cabins that are nestled in
the woods at the university-owned Busby Farm; the remainder will be in a
dormitory on the main campus. Funding is provided by the APHIS Plant
Protection and Quarantine program.
Contact: David Kiesling, M.S., (573) 681-5357, [email protected]
www.lincolnu.edu
The main campus of Lincoln University, the oldest of the 1890 land-grant
schools, includes 169 acres and is located on a hilly prominence with a
panoramic view of Jefferson City, MO. The institution serves approximately
3,300 students, both undergraduate and graduate. Lincoln students
can choose from an array of undergraduate majors, including agriculture,
environmental science, agribusiness, biology, chemistry, criminal justice,
medical technology, physics, and wellness. Those continuing their education can earn master’s degrees in business administration, history and
sociology, environmental science, and several fields of education.
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
JULY 14–27, 2013
Students learn about careers in animal management, plant biotechnology,
plant microbiology, water quality, nutrient management, horticulture, and
natural resource sciences. They have experiential learning opportunities
through state-of-the-art research, education, and farm facilities, as well
as field trips to conservation areas and research centers. Students reside
on the university campus located in Princess Anne, MD, and work with
university faculty and other agriculture professionals. In addition to APHIS,
funding for the program is provided by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Contacts: Dr. George S. Shorter, (410) 651-6193, [email protected];
Dr. Bessie M. Green, (410) 651-6200, [email protected]
www.umes.edu
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), the State’s historically
black, 1890 land-grant university, is a teaching, research, and doctoral
institution that nurtures and launches leaders in a student-centered environment. For the sixth consecutive year, UMES, founded in 1886, was ranked
in the top tier of the Nation’s best black colleges and universities in 2012 by
U.S. News & World Report. True to its land-grant heritage, UMES offers a
number of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, including programs
in agribusiness, urban forestry, and general agriculture (with concentrations
in plant and soil science, animal and poultry science, agriculture education,
and agricultural studies).

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
JUNE 30–JULY 27, 2013
Learn about career possibilities in the plant, animal, and veterinary sciences
and learn how USDA protects America’s food supply. Over a period of 4
weeks, students will live on the university’s campus and have hands-on
experiences in animal and plant laboratories under the supervision of plant
and animal scientists and veterinarians from the university and USDA. Field
trips allow students to experience the vast aspects of the U.S. food and
agriculture system. The program is facilitated in partnership with the university’s Research Apprentice Program and funded by APHIS.
Contact: Dr. Jesse Thompson, (217) 333-3380, [email protected]
academics.aces.illinois.edu/diversity
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a world-class,
comprehensive research university, established in 1862 as the land-grant
institution in Illinois. The university’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and
Environmental Sciences (ACES) is recognized as a leader in many science
fields, particularly in the disciplines of agricultural and biological engineering
and the crop, animal, and nutritional sciences. ACES serves a key role in
providing programs and instruction aimed at educating the next generation
of future managers and scientists.

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HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Students selected for the 2013 AgDiscovery summer session will pay only
the cost of their transportation to get from home to the college campus for
the start of the session and back again at the end of the session. (Note:
Students are also responsible for arranging their transportation at the start
and end of the session; AgDiscovery does not provide a shuttle or other
such transportation services at those times.) The cost of tuition, room and
board, and lab supplies for the 2- to 4-week program will be covered by
various offices within APHIS.

HOW DO I APPLY?
For the program at Alcorn State University, students between the ages
of 12 and 16 are eligible to apply for admission to AgDiscovery. For all
other participating universities, the eligible ages for AgDiscovery program
admission are 14 through 17 years old. (Note: You must be at least the
minimum eligible age and no older than the maximum eligible age for your
selected program as of May 31, 2013.)
A complete application package must be received no later than March
23, 2013. Applications can be submitted as follows:
• A fillable PDF application can be obtained at www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery

and forwarded via email, along with the required two-page essay, to

[email protected]. Reference letters must be submitted separately.
• Hard copy applications must be received no later than March 23.
APHIS will not accept application packages that are incomplete or
received after March 23. Also, additions to incomplete applications will
not be accepted after the March 23 deadline.
Here’s what to put in your application package:
• A two-page essay entitled “Why I Want To Attend the AgDiscovery

Program at ______ (indicate the participating university you would like
to attend) and What I Want To Learn.” In the essay, include
information on your interests and hobbies and explain what you want
to do when you grow up. Be sure to include your full name, age, home
address, home telephone number, and email address.
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• Three character references—letters from people not related to you

who know you well. At least one of the three references must come

from a teacher or counselor. References must be submitted in a
sealed envelope with your application package.
• A completed application form. If you did not receive one with this

leaflet, you can print the form from the Web. Go to

www.aphis.usda.gov and click on the AgDiscovery Program hotlink.

Mail your completed package to:
Ms. Beatrice Jacobs
USDA-APHIS Office of the Administrator
Office of Civil Rights, Diversity, and Inclusion
4700 River Road, Unit 92
Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
On or prior to April 30, 2013, APHIS will notify you if you have been selected
for this summer’s AgDiscovery program. Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn
more about APHIS or this year’s participating universities, visit these
Web sites:

www.aphis.usda.gov

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www.famu.edu/herds

www.alcorn.edu www.kysu.edu

 www.uapb.edu www.umd.edu

www.desu.edu

http://agdiscovery.nrem.iastate.edu

www.ncsu.edu

www.scsu.edu

www.arizona.edu www.tuskegee.edu/caens

www.hawaii.edu www.fvsu.edu

www.vsu.edu www.lincolnu.edu

www.umes.edu www.illinois.aces.edu
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about the AgDiscovery program, contact:
Ms. Terry Henson or
Ms. Beatrice Jacobs
USDA-APHIS Office of the Administrator
Office of Civil Rights, Diversity, and Inclusion
4700 River Road, Unit 92
Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: (301) 851-4200
Fax: (301) 734-3698
Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AGDISCOVERY
APPLICATIONS
Applicants can only apply to one AgDiscovery program each year. The
programs are categorized in the four disciplines below. Following the 2013
AgDiscovery program, applicants will no longer be eligible to repeat participation within a discipline. For example, if a student participates in any
program within the animal discipline, he or she will only be eligible to participate in programs within the remaining disciplines in 2014 and beyond.
Agribusiness

Animal

Plant

Combination

Delaware

Kentucky

North
Carolina

Maryland –
College Park

Florida

Lincoln

Arkansas
Pine Bluff

Alcorn

Arizona

Tuskegee

Virginia

Hawaii

Fort Valley

Iowa

Maryland – Eastern
Shore

Illinois
South Carolina

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and
activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex,
marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information,
political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any
public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice
and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272
(voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Issued January 2013

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