The Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) is a vital program of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), with a mission to safeguard American agriculture against invasive pests. The USDA Pathways Program: William F. Helms Internship provides university and college undergraduates the opportunity to help protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources against harmful plant pests and facilitate the safe trade of agricultural products. Interested students should be enrolled part-time or full time at an accredited college or university, in a program related to agricultural or the biological sciences. Applicants must be in good academic standing, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. Required documents for application include, if applicable, a letter of acceptance or letter of continuing education. A copy of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214), if the applicant is claiming Veterans' Preference, is also needed. Interested students must have a USAJOBS account to apply. Students accepted in the program will receive a financial aid while pursuing a degree - up to $5,000 each year the student is enrolled in a degree program ($10,000 maximum); mentoring; paid work experience during school breaks (both summer and holiday periods); career exploration; and possible permanent employment upon successful completion of education, training, and work requirements.