College Aggies Online scholarship program starts Sept. 9

ARLINGTON, Va. — College students, clubs and classes are invited to sign up to participate in the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2024 College Aggies Online scholarship program.

The nine-week program kicks off on Sept. 9 and brings together college students from across the country to equip them with the skills needed to become confident communicators for agriculture.

Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to network and receive guidance from social media-savvy farmers and industry professionals while enhancing their communication and consumer engagement skills.

Previous mentors include Tara Vander Dussen, also known as New Mexico Milkmaid; Michelle Miller, known online as The Farm Babe; Brandi Buzzard of Buzzard’s Beat; and Emily Shaw, owner of Dairy Girl Fitness.

In the individual division, students earn points by completing weekly challenges, including writing blog posts, designing infographics, publishing social media content and creating TikTok-style videos.

In the student organization division, collegiate clubs and classes will have the opportunity to host events on their campus to engage with peers about agriculture. Club events include hosting a campus event, food drive, farm tour and much more.

“The College Aggies Online program equips college students with the tools needed to confidently and effectively share animal agriculture’s story with their peers and general public,” said Emily Ellis, Animal Agriculture Alliance communications and content manager.

“Participants will walk away with the résumé-building skills and real-world experience needed to have impactful conversations about food and farming, thanks to real-world experience and guidance from mentors.”

Last year, 344 individuals and 14 collegiate clubs and classes participated, representing 42 states and 63 universities.

Students shared more than 1,380 posts about agriculture online and reached more than 10,000 people in-person via campus events. The alliance awarded $20,000 in scholarships.

Students interested in becoming confident and effective communicators for agriculture are invited to sign up today. Registered participants can refer a friend to sign up for the program for the chance to win a $100 gift card.

For more information and to sign up, visit https://tinyurl.com/3xm9tnec.

CAO would not be possible without the support of sponsors John K. Vanier Foundation, Institute for Feed Education and Research, Domino’s Pizza LLC, Ohio Poultry Association and National Chicken Council.

To become a sponsor of this year’s program, contact Logan Hall, Animal Agriculture Alliance membership and marketing director, at lhall@animalagalliance.org.