Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Plant Protection and Quarantine 

United States Department of Agriculture

Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) is a vital program 

of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Our mission is to 

safeguard American agriculture against invasive pests 

and facilitate the safe trade of agricultural products.

PPQ forms America’s first line of defense for plant 

health. Our nearly 3,000 employees work on many 

fronts to keep harmful pests out of the United States, 

control the spread of invasive species (such as the Asian 

longhorned beetle, spotted lanternfly, and giant African 

snail), and increase the safety of agricultural trade. This 

work is critical in helping American agriculture thrive—

across the country and around the world.

We are proud to sponsor the William F. Helms 

Scholarship Program. Juniors and seniors who are 

academically qualified and enrolled in an accredited 

college-level program related to agriculture or the 

biological sciences are eligible to apply. Students can 

receive up to $5,000 per year ($10,000 maximum) 

for undergraduate studies. 

The William F. Helms Scholarship Program

for Students in Plant Health Science and Related Fields 

Issued April 2020

APHIS 81-15-001

After graduating from Auburn University, William 

Helms joined APHIS in 1958 and worked for PPQ 

in field offices in Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. 

He was assigned to headquarters in 1980 as the 

Associate Deputy Administrator for PPQ and was 

subsequently promoted to Deputy Administrator, 

the highest ranking position in his division and the 

position he retained until his untimely death in 1990. 

Helms was an active proponent for change and 

management improvement. He also looked for better 

ways of doing business. He never lost sight of what 

he viewed as the organization’s most valuable asset, 

its people. An example of his feelings is reflected 

in a comment he once made: “...if you have good, 

dedicated people, you’re going to get results. I think 

that’s why APHIS has succeeded over the years.” 

The William F. Helms Scholarship Program 

continues the legacy Helms worked to establish and 

is further evidence of the agency’s commitment to 

support and hire the best and brightest candidates. 

Who Was William F. Helms?
What Kinds of Career Opportunities Does PPQ Offer?

As a William F. Helms Scholarship recipient, you will 

further your education and gain valuable real-world 

experience in the field of agriculture. Working for PPQ, 

you may:

n Carry out trapping for invasive species,

n Conduct public outreach to raise awareness about

invasive species,

n Perform surveys for invasive plant pests and diseases,

n Cooperate with other Federal, State, and local officials

to apply best practices when outbreaks occur,

n Learn how Federal regulations are made,

n Observe technical discussions with international

trading partners to develop plant health standards for

imports and exports, and

n Learn how to inspect and certify goods for export.

Scholarship Benefits

n Financial aid while pursuing a degree

n Tutoring assistance

n Mentoring

n Paid employment during summer and school breaks

n Career exploration

n Possible employment upon graduation

Application and Eligibility

Interested students must apply at www.usajobs.gov. 

Locate the announcement using the key words 

“William F. Helms” in the search engine under the

“Students and Recent Graduates” tab. Please note

that you must have a USAJOBS account to apply. The 

announcement will open in the spring for approximately 

a 2-week period. Students must meet the eligibility

criteria for the USDA Pathways Program in order to

be considered. Students selected will begin receiving

scholarship benefits at the start of the fall semester.

Upon entrance of duty, you must be:

n A U.S. citizen;

n Enrolled at an accredited college or university in

a program related to agriculture or the biological

sciences;

n At the end of your sophomore year going into your

junior year, or at the end of your junior year going

into your senior year; and

n In good academic standing, with at least a 2.5 grade

point average.

Required Documents

The online application system will prompt you to submit 

the following:

n Resume;

n Transcripts for all completed college work to date;

n Proof of current enrollment on a full-time basis and/

or, if applicable, a letter of acceptance or letter of

continuing education; and

n A copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge

from Active Duty (DD-214), if you are claiming

Veterans’ Preference.

Additional supplemental information and documentation 

will be requested at a later date if you meet eligibility and 

initial application requirements.

This publication supersedes Miscellaneous Publication No. 1531, “The 

PPQ William F. Helms Student Scholarship Program,” which was last 

published in May 2010. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

This internship may be available annually. 

To check availability or learn more, email the 

PPQ Resource Management Services office at 

PPQHelmsScholarship@usda.gov or visit the 

APHIS Careers website: 

www.aphis.usda.gov/careers 

(click on “Are You a Student?”)

FOR MORE INFORMATION