Poultry Science Summer Institute (PSSI)
go.ncsu.edu/readext?67827
Dates TBD (see update below)
Update
We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time, and we are committed to continue serving and growing our community. Together we will see it through, one day at a time.
What is the Poultry Science Summer Institute?
The Poultry Science Summer Institute (PSSI) is a five-day, four-night immersion experience designed to broaden high school students’ understanding of educational disciplines, scholarship opportunities, careers and industries related to poultry science. Students will be introduced to the sciences behind poultry production ranging from embryology to immunology, feed milling to food safety, and beyond. Again this year, instead of the student coming to campus, campus will come to the student! A generous learning kit of activities, snacks, and swag will make learning fun and interactive as professors from various disciplines virtually ‘walk’ youth through hands-on poultry-based activities!
Why participate in PSSI?
PSSI participants experience campus life at NC State. They stay in University Towers, a private residence hall (with a pool), go to local fun spots, do hands-on experiments in a lab setting and live like college students during the program.
PSSI lets students “try us on for size.” Participants interact informally with NC State faculty, staff and poultry science students. Attendees learn about the diverse field of poultry science and get specific information about our poultry science degree program.
Information about a wide range of topics come up during PSSI, including
- career fields and areas of opportunity,
- scholarship requirements and availability,
- internships while attending college,
- employment connections when graduating,
- how and when to apply to college and
- anything else you’d like to know about poultry!
PSSI In-Person Activities
PSSI participants tour turkey farm
PSSI students tour Butterball headquarters
PSSI youth tour Reynolds Coliseum
PSSI participants learn about egg quality
PSSI poultry art in Expression Tunnel
Campers unwind at SkyZone
Eligibility and Fee
Eligibility
Any high school student with an interest in poultry science may apply to attend PSSI. Students must list a high school science teacher, counselor, county extension agent, 4-H leader or vocational agriculture instructor as a reference. Students will write a brief personal statement describing why they would like to participate.
PSSI is a popular program. To ensure the best possible experience for all students, PSSI is limited to 20 participants.
Fee
| Fee per (virtual) participant | $25 |
The PSSI fee is $75.00. The fee includes housing on campus, all meals, field trips, workshop materials and entertainment. However, due to the on-going pandemic, this year’s program will be offered virtually at a cost of $25.00.
Applying to PSSI
Requirements
Applying to PSSI requires two items. Applicants must submit
- the Poultry Science Summer Institute Application and
- a brief essay (400-600 words) indicating why they’re interested in the experience.
Deadline
Applications for 2021 will open on December 21, 2020. Applications are due on February 28, 2021 *EXTENDED to March 8, 2021*. Announcement of 2021 candidates will be made by March 15, 2020.
We appreciate our sponsors and partners
Thank you to the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) for their generous support of PDPS recruitment efforts, including PSSI.
Thank you to NC State alumnus Josh Monahan for donating chips for the taste panel activity.
Thank you to the NC State Feed Mill Education Unit. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
For additional information contact
Dr. Mary Fosnaught
4-H & Youth Development Extension Associate
NC State Extension
Prestage Department of Poultry Science
Raleigh, NC 27695-7608
E-mail: mhfosnau@ncsu.edu
Phone: +1 919.515.5529