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FRANKFORT — Kentucky State University (KSU) held its closing ceremony for the Summer Apprenticeship Program (SAP) at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 24 in Carver Hall on KSU’s campus.

Students presented their scientific research projects in each of their studies during the ceremony. The students had eight minutes to present their findings. Each presentation included an introduction, data, and methods with a scientific conclusion. The students were also awarded certificates of completion.

The keynote address was given by the Henry County (Kentucky) Prosecuting Attorney Jenny Harrod.

SAP is a three-week residential program that introduces students entering grades 11-12 to more advanced technology and application of knowledge through research and extension projects in agriculture, environmental sciences, geo-science, and computer science. Through mentor relationships, students participate in lab projects, field trips, and culturally-based workshops. The goal is for the students to eventually choose a career associated with one of the areas of study promoted through the SAP.

Students in the program worked one-on-one with mentors in the fields of aquaculture nutrition, molecular biology, biotechnology, behavioral science, gaming development, histology, microscopy, produce safety, apiculture, and agricultural sciences.

Students from all over the United States have been admitted into the Summer Apprenticeship Program -Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, and Kentucky. This includes three students from Jefferson County (Jamiya Coleman, Caleb Maddox, Dejenea Jones), one student from Fayette County (Meklit Amsalu), two from Shelby County (Essence Carlisle, Yohari Salama), one student from Bullitt County (Shawnlon Donigan), one student from Pike County (Jayden Wesley), one student from Henry County (Cailyn Ballard), and one student from Kenton County (Isaiah Dobbins).

The SAP program began in 2013 and is funded through a three-year grant by the National Science Foundation.  The grant, which was written by Buddhi Gyawali, Ph.D, an assistant professor at Kentucky State University’s College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems, awarded the University $399,999 to create educational summer programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), to develop STEM curricula at the undergraduate level, and to enhance geoscience pedagogy.
ABOUT KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY

Kentucky State University, building on its legacy of achievement as a historically black, liberal arts, and 1890 land grant University affords access to and prepares a diverse population of traditional and non-traditional students through high-quality undergraduate and select graduate programs. Located in Kentucky, KSU offers associate (two-year) degrees in two disciplines, baccalaureate (four-year) degrees in 24 disciplines, master’s degrees in eight disciplines, and one advanced practice doctorate in nursing. KSU has 129 full-time instructional faculty members and more than 2,000 students.