NASHVILLE (AP) — More than 20 incoming Tennessee State University freshmen spent part of their summer getting exposed to real-world scientific work and cutting-edge research.

The 21 students, from Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Indiana and Georgia, spent five weeks at the university engaged in various laboratory and field experiments under the mentorship of university professors and scientists.

The Summer Apprenticeship Program is funded by the USDA and is intended to expose students to career opportunities in agriculture, bio- and environmental sciences.

Dr. Chandra Reddy is dean of TSU's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences. He said careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as agriculture, can be lucrative and encouraged students to consider them.

Each of the students who participated in the program received a $1,000 stipend.