College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Academics

The Michigan Indian Leadership Program (MILP) is a one-week indigenized summer experience co-sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education at MSU.

We anticipate hosting MILP in 2023. If MILP is cancelled for any reason, all applicants will be notified as soon as possible via the email address provided on their application. 

What is MILP?

MILP is designed to give Native American youth in grades 8-12 the opportunity to learn about college, experience college life on the university campus and explore the many exciting educational opportunities available in the agricultural, food sciences, natural resources and related fields.

Although the program is not limited to Native American youth, the program content is based on issues of relevance to Native American students. Every effort is made to indigenize as much of the program content as we can.

Who participates in MILP?

MILP is designed primarily for Native American youth entering grades 8-12 and other students with a strong interest and involvement in Native American culture and community.

What will I do as a MILP participant?

You will participate in demonstrations, tours and other hands on activities designed to give a sampling of what the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has to offer. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of other educational, cultural and social activities. 

Evening activities include social time, cultural presentations and traditional arts such as black ash basket making, beadwork, indigenous games or porcupine quill work. 

MILP participants live on campus in university dorm rooms and eat meals in the dining hall to get a feel for what college life is like. Like many college students on campus, you will do lots of walking every day.

How much does it cost?

Students participate in MILP free of charge. The program is supported by CANR, the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and a number of other public and private agencies and corporations. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the MSU campus.

When does the program begin?

Program Dates: July 9 - 14, 2023

Application Deadline: April 7, 2023

All applications must be postmarked or email stamped by this deadline date. Late applications will be considered on a space available basis or put on a waiting list.

How do I apply for MILP? 

Download the application here

To apply, participants would submit the following completed items by email or mail:

1. Completed MILP student application
2. Essay answers
3. An official transcript (including classes in progress)

Applications are available for downloading here, via email or by telephone request. If you plan to download the application, please make sure your computer has Adobe Reader. 

If requesting an application by email please, place in the subject heading of your email "Requesting MILP Application" and include your name, email address and mailing address in the body of the email to chaus@msu.edu.

If requesting an application by phone, please call 517-355-0234 and inform the CANR representative that you would like to request a MILP application.

If mailing materials, please send to:

Stephanie Chau
446 West Circle Drive, Room 121
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

When emailing materials, send to chaus@msu.edu with the subject line "MILP Application"

You will receive a confirmation email that your application has been received. If you do not receive a confirmation within a week of submission, there was an issue with your application submission and you should contact Stephanie Chau.

Statement for Disability Inclusion

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, service and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by submitting requests with your application please. More information is available through the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.