Program Overview
The Animal Science Discovery (ANSCId) program is a Summer Experiential Learning, Career Development, and Scholarship Pipeline Program between NYC-area community colleges and Rutgers University.
LaGuardia Community College is the first community college in the NYC area to offer an A.S degree with a specialization in Animal Science. This option offers you the ability to get an associate degree taking courses that are directly related to your career interests in Animal Science. The Animal Sciences option is for students interested in working with animals with a focus on disseminating new knowledge about the biology and management of animals to make a positive impact in the world. Animal Science offers courses such as genetics, animal physiology, microbiology and animal behavior and ethics.
This option was made possible through funding from the USDA NEXTGEN grant. This grant offers funding to support the LAGCC-Rutgers Transfer Scholarship, a credit-based summer experiential learning at the Rutgers Cook Campus and several Animal Science Career events.
Major Options




Program Offerings
- 2+2 Transfer Program
- The LAGCC-Rutgers Transfer Scholarship is a merit-based, full scholarship for LaGuardia Community College students to attend Rutgers University-New Brunswick and earn their bachelor’s degree in one of the majors offered at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS). A list of majors can be found here: https://sebs.rutgers.edu/departments
- This scholarship is funded by the NEXTGEN grant initiative of USDA-NIFA. The scholarship provides:
- Full out-of-state tuition, meals, additional fees, and housing at Rutgers SEBS will be covered.
- A total of four semesters plus additional summer sessions (if needed) will be covered by the scholarship.
- Students will be supported with pre- and post-enrollment application services by LAGCC's core advising team made up of faculty, staff and peers.
- Summer Experiential Learning Program (SELP)
Are you interested in hands on learning modules in animal science, agriculture, veterinary science, biomedical research and USDA Jobs? Then this would be a perfect internship for you!
The Animal Science Discovery Program at LAGCC funded by the US Department of Agriculture will be recruiting 20 students for a paid summer experiential learning program. This internship will earn you 2 credits at Rutgers University, Animal Science program. The program will run from June 17th- July 3rd, 2024. Students will travel from LaGuardia CC to the farm at Rutgers University - New Brunswick on Monday, June 17th and return on June 20th in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday. Participating students will return to Rutgers on Sunday, June 23rd and stay on campus until Wednesday, July 3rd. All expenses (accommodations, travel and food) will be covered. The farm is located on Cook Campus and is part of the School of Environmental Sciences. Please make sure you are available for all the above dates and travel before you apply; selected students will be living on campus.
This is a competitive application. Only 20 students will be chosen. Students will be paid a stipend of $1,500 and receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
- Eligibility Criteria
- GPA of 2.5 and above by Fall II 2023
- 20 or more credits accumulated by Fall II 2023
- An interest in animal science, animal husbandry, agriculture, veterinary science, biomedical research and environmental science.
- Preference will be given to students in the Environmental Science program.
However, students who have taken, Bio I and/or Bio II and Chem I and/or Chem II and Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy/Vet Tech courses are welcome to apply!
Applications close Feb 20th 2024. Candidates selected will be notified by March 1st 2024.
- Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
Are you interested in conducting research in animal science, agriculture, veterinary science, biomedical research and USDA Jobs? Then this would be a perfect internship for you!
The Animal Science Discovery Program at LaGuardia Community College funded by the US Department of Agriculture will be recruiting 7 students for a paid research internship. Selected participants will be paired with a Rutgers graduate student. This internship will earn you 2 credits at Rutgers University, Animal Science program.
The program will run from June 17th- July 3rd, 2024. Students will travel from LaGuardia CC to Rutgers University - New Brunswick on Monday, June 17th and return on June 20th in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday. Participating students will return to Rutgers on Sunday, June 23rd and stay on campus until Wednesday, July 3rd. All expenses (accommodations, travel and food) will be covered. The labs are located on Cook Campus and are part of the School of Environmental Sciences. Please make sure you are available for all the above dates and travel before you apply; selected students will be living on campus. This is a competitive application. Only 7 students will be chosen. Students will be paid a stipend of $1,500 and receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
- Eligibility Criteria
- GPA of 2.5 and above by Fall II 2023
- 20 or more credits accumulated by Fall II 2023
- An interest in animal science, animal husbandry, agriculture, veterinary science, biomedical research and environmental science.
- Preference will be given to students in the Environmental Science program.
However, students who have taken, Bio I and/or Bio II and Chem I and/or Chem II and Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy/Vet Tech courses are welcome to apply!
Applications close Feb 20th 2024. Candidates selected will be notified by March 1st 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I study at LaGuardia CC if I want to do the 2+2 Program?
Eligible students are studying under the umbrella of Environmental Sciences. We’re also accepting applications from students in the Biology, Veterinary Technology, and Liberal Art, Math, and Science programs.
Why Rutgers?
In addition to the farm on Cook Campus in New Brunswick, Rutgers University has many labs and resources that students looking for a career in agriculture-related areas can use. New Brunswick is conveniently located just an hour outside of New York City!
Do I need to participate in one of the summer programs to transfer to Rutgers in the 2+2 Program?
No! While we strongly encourage participation in opportunities outside of the classroom, it’s not a requirement to qualify for the scholarship.
Will my credits transfer?
LaGuardia and Rutgers have an articulation agreement between the Animal Science programs that allows for a transfer of 60 credits. Students completing a degree outside of Animal Science will have their credits evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Advisor Resources

Aparna M. Zama
848-932-8495
zama@rutgers.edu
Current Students: Schedule a time for academic advising!

Terichi Bellinger
848-932-9406
terichi.bellinger@rutgers.edu
Peer Mentoring
Peer Mentors are current Rutgers students looking to enhance their leadership skills and help students coming into the summer program or transferring in from LaGuardia! These students are eligible for leadership credits and stipends, depending on the capacity in which they participate. Contact us for more information on how you can become a peer mentor for our SURE/SELP programs, or for the transfer student population!