The CALS Agriculture Career Exploration Camp is designed for rising high school sophomores and juniors who are interested in exploring and learning through hands-on experiences how science, technology, and innovation are shaping the future of agriculture and life sciences. Through hands-on learning, interactive sessions, and direct engagement with faculty, staff, and industry professionals, students will gain exposure to a range of academic and career pathways across the field.
Grounded in innovation and technology, the program introduces students to a range of career pathways across agriculture and life sciences, including areas connected to food systems, environmental science, and animal and plant sciences, as well as emerging spaces shaping the future of the field.
Students will engage in structured, supervised activities that emphasize learning by doing, providing exposure to both foundational disciplines and new areas of growth within the industry.
What You’ll Do
Throughout the week, students will engage in a range of hands-on and interactive experiences designed to explore agriculture and life sciences in practice.
Participants will:
- Take part in hands-on activities that highlight
how innovation and technology are being applied across agriculture and life sciences - Engage in interactive sessions led by faculty, staff and industry professionals
- Explore how emerging tools, systems, and ideas are shaping the future of food, agriculture and environmental systems
- Visit campus facilities and learning spaces to see how these fields are studied and applied
- Connect with peers who share an interest in learning, exploration and discovery
Who Should Apply
This program is open to students who will be classified as sophomores or juniors as of Summer 2026 and are:
- Curious and interested in exploring new ideas
- Open to learning through hands-on experiences
- Interested in science, technology, agriculture, food systems, or the environment
- Willing to actively participate in a collaborative, in-residence program
Students do not need prior coursework or experience in agriculture to apply.
Program Details
- Dates: July 26 – August 1
- Location: Iowa State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Format: In-residence, week-long program
- Cost: $375
Cost includes housing, meals, on-campus transportation, and program materials. Transportation to and from campus is not provided.
Application Information
- Application Opens: April 22
- Application Deadline: May 30
Applications are submitted online through the CALS Agriculture Career Exploration Camp application.
Program Partners
This program is offered in collaboration with national and state partners committed to advancing opportunities in agriculture and life sciences, including MANRRS, 4-H Youth Development and FFA.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Theressa Cooper
Program Director and Assistant Dean for Collaborative Initiatives
tncooper@iastate.edu
