The Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP) is a 6-week summer experience program sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at MSU.  MAP is designed to give high school students the opportunity to experience college life and to explore college life and to explore the many exciting educational and career opportunities in the agricultural and food sciences, natural resources, and related fields.

A career in agriculture or natural resources involves a lot more than farming. Through MAP, students work in many different areas including: food science, agricultural engineering, forestry, animal sciences, horticulture and crop and soil sciences, environmental and natural resource management, veterinary medicine, and a number of other areas.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU is the perfect place to learn more about these career areas, and MAP is the perfect way to learn about the College.

Who participates in MAP?

The MAP is designed for 10th-11th grade students who have strong interest and aptitude in science, math, and other academic areas. Students are selected for MAP based on their interest, as indicated by their application essay, and their academic performance. They are also recommended by teachers and counselors as students who would benefit from participating in MAP, and would also add to the program. Although there is no required GPA to participate in MAP, selection to the program is competitive.

What do MAP participants do?

Each MAP participant is matched with a CANR faculty member to work on a research project. Students are expected to work between 35-40 hours per week. During the six weeks, students also participate in field trips, leadership seminars, and a number of other educational, social, and cultural activities.

MAP participants gain hands-on experience in laboratory and field research, work with computers and other "high tech" equipment, and interact with other students, faculty members, and professionals.

The students live on campus in a University residence hall and eat meals in the dining hall. They have the opportunity to meet other high school students participating in other summer programs at MSU.

What are the benefits of participating in MAP?

In addition to learning first-hand about working in an agriculture and natural resources-related field, and experiencing what college life is all about, MAP participants earn a weekly stipend that they can spend or save for later use. They will also meet many new people from across the state and make friendships that will last long after the program has ended. They will also be introduced to professionals and role models from agricultural industry, government, and academic institutions.

How much does it cost?

Students participate in MAP free of charge.  The program is supported by the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and a number of other public and private agencies and corporations. Students are only responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the MSU campus.

The program begins the 4th week of June and runs for 6 weeks.

How do I apply for MAP?

You must first submit a completed application. You can obtain an application by downloading the application below, email or by phone. If you plan to download the application make your computer has adobe. If requesting an application by email please place in the subject heading of your email "Requesting MAP Application" and include your name and address in the body of the email. If requesting an application by phone please call: 517-353-1835 and inform the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources representative that you would like to request a MAP application.

A completed Application consists of:

1. MAP student application
2. Essay questions
3. An official transcript (including work in progress)
4. Two Letters of Recommendation form

The application will need to be postmarked before April 4th 2008. You will be notified by mail by mid May if you are accepted or denied entrance into the program.