SCCSA is an academic summer program coordinated by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences. Students selected for the program will spend a week on Clemson’s campus exploring career options in the agricultural industry through workshops and hands-on activities.

Students learn about greenhouse production, soil science, athletic turf-grass management, animal and veterinary sciences, packaging science, aquaculture, forestry, wildlife, and natural resources. The school also includes visits to Clemson University Research Farms, the Clemson Experimental Forest, and a whitewater rafting trip down the Chattooga River.

More than 350 students have graduated from the program, since it started in 2004.  A number of those students have pursued agriculture related majors and careers.

“Commissioner’s School is an enlightening experience for many high school students each summer, because it gives them the chance to see all the opportunities available in agriculture. Agriculture is part of the state’s leading industry sector, agribusiness, and this school is helping develop the next generation of industry leaders,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.

Interested students can visit http://www.clemson.edu/cafls/sccsa/ to download the application. Applications must be post marked by April 23, 2014.  For information about SCCSA, contact Katie Black at 864-656-6662 or hulse@clemson.edu, or Elizabeth Shuler at 803-734-0328 oreshuler@scda.sc.gov.