What are the requirements to apply for LaYAPP?
1. Must be enrolled in the 11th or 12th grade for the 2011-2012 school term.
2. Must be enrolled in a Louisiana high school or approved home school.
3. Demonstrate a sincere interest in entering the agricultural production profession.
4. Nomination and letter of support by an education professional.
5. Interview process.

What are the dates and locations of the activities? What am I expected to attend?
For the 2011-2012 school term, you will be expected to take part in the following activities at these locations:

•  July 18-22, 2011: LaYAPP Summer Institute held on the LSU-Baton Rouge campus.
• 2011-2012 School Term: Participate in an on-site 50-hour internship with a qualified adult mentor’s agricultural production operation and complete a business plan which was designed at the 2010 Institute with your mentor. You will keep records on your experience and build a portfolio.
• July 2012 (specific dates to be announced later): LaYAPP Summer Institute to participate in culminating activities and to interact with 2012-2013 participants. You will also receive an all-expense paid trip to the Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention.

How much does it cost to participate?
There will be a $200.00 tuition fee for each participant. Several components of the program will be funded from private and public entities, the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. The fee and sponsorships cover the costs associated with lodging, meals, conference materials, trip to Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention, transportation for field trips during the week-long program, mileage for three visits with your mentor during the 2011-2012 school term (maximum of 50 mile round trip @ $.48/mile) and a $500.00 stipend paid to you upon your completion of the program requirements. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the week-long institutes on the LSU-Baton Rouge Campus.

What about liability issues for student participants?
Since this is an AgCenter event, there is blanket liability coverage for all activities: on-campus and off-site field trips in LSU vans. Liability coverage does not cover illness or accident. Family insurance policy must cover illness. Limited accident insurance coverage ($2500.00 maximum per incident) will also be provided and any remaining costs must be assumed by family insurance. This coverage (liability and accident) only covers the time spent on campus and field trips during the one week summer conference and NOT during internship time during school term (school systems, mentors, and parents are responsible).

May I submit my application via email?
No, applications may only be submitted by mail. Original signatures are required for a completed application. All applications need to be mailed into the LSU AgCenter (see address on application). Please remember that applications must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2011.

How will I know if I’m selected?
All applicants will be notified of the status of their application on or before March 15, 2011. All communication regarding the selection process will come from, or on behalf of, Dr. Bradley Leger with the LSU AgCenter. The primary mode of communication will be email.

How many people are selected to be a part of the conference each year?
There will be a maximum of fourteen applicants selected for the 2011-2012 school term – two students from each LSU AgCenter Region across the state. A special effort will be made to include participants from non-traditional as well as traditional agricultural populations and production types.

What will make up my completed application?
Your completed application will include:

• Completed and typed information form
• Resume
• All essay questions – typed and completed
• Nomination form – completed and signed by a qualified educator/sponsor
• Signed certification page

What will the week of the LaYAPP Institute look like?
Throughout the week, participants will partake in numerous informational sessions on topics ranging from developing your own business plan to leadership development to marketing strategies. You’ll also participate in fun interactive sessions which deal with your specific area of ag production interest. Additionally, participants will partake in field and operation tours around the greater Baton Rouge area and participate in exciting, extensive team building exercises and opportunities for networking. During the week, participants will work on developing a vision for their operation with their mentors. The week is capped off with a celebratory meal. It’ll be a great week!

Where can I learn more about LaYAPP?
More information can be found at www.lsuagcenter.com/LaYAPP or you can follow us on Facebook!

Who do I contact if I have questions about the program and/or application?
Dr. Bradley Leger, LSU AgCenter Organization Development and Evaluation Unit, email or 225/578-8144

Dr. Mark Tassin, LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Development, email or 225/578-2196