Want to Attend the HACU Conference?

The USDA-Hispanic Serving Institutions National Program will sponsor two students from Palo Alto to participate in HACU’s 22nd Annual Conference in Denver from October 11-13, 2008. Sponsorship includes conference registration fee, airfare and hotel stay for the duration of the conference.

The HACU conference is a great opportunity for students to learn about internship, research and advanced education opportunities. A special Student Track is specifically designed for student attendees featuring events and workshops on the following topics:

ü Resume and Interview Tricks-of-the-Trade
ü Taking Advantage of Employment and Educational Opportunities
ü Polishing Leadership Skills
ü Opportunity to network with other students, academic and community leaders, and corporate and federal employers

Interested students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
· Must be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student (Associate Degree or Transfer Degree Program) at Palo Alto in one of the majors listed below:

o Agriculture
o Horticulture
o Veterinary Technology
o Veterinary Science
· Have not received a HACU Conference Scholarship for the 2007 Annual Conference.

To apply, students must submit:
· A 300-500 word essay of interest answering the following questions:
- What is your personal interest in a career in public service?
- How will your institution benefit from your participation in this conference?
- What are your academic goals and leadership aspirations?
· A one-page professional résumé.

The application deadline is Tuesday, September 2, 2008. Please e-mail your essay and one-page resume to Ms. Sandra Peñaherrera, USDA-HSI National Student Program Manager, at Sandra.penaherrera@ars.usda.gov. You can also contact her with any questions at 486-3959.

Students selected for the conference sponsorship will be required to:
· Participate in the “Conference Student Track” and attend all required activities
· Write a 300-500 word essay about your experience
· Organize an information session at your campus geared at promoting awareness of USDA
· You may be invited to make a short presentation to other Students, Faculty, and/or Staff
· Assist in the promotion of other USDA opportunities; such as internships, scholarships, etc.