The Animal Agriculture Alliance is excited to announce that sign-ups are now open for the 2024 College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program. Starting on September 9, this nine-week program invites college students, clubs and classes from across the country to develop their skills as confident communicators for agriculture.
The CAO program offers participants the opportunity to network and receive mentorship from social media-savvy farmers and industry professionals. Notable previous mentors include Tara Vander Dussen (New Mexico Milkmaid), Michelle Miller (The Farm Babe), Brandi Buzzard (Buzzard’s Beat) and Emily Shaw (Dairy Girl Fitness).
In the individual division, students earn points by completing weekly challenges such as writing blog posts, designing infographics, publishing social media content, and creating TikTok-style videos. In the student organization division, collegiate clubs and classes can host campus events to engage peers about agriculture, including food drives, farm tours, and more.
Emily Ellis, manager of communications and content at Animal Agriculture Alliance, stated, “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 the general public. Participants will gain resume-building skills and real-world experience, guided by industry mentors.”
Last year, the program saw participation from 344 individuals and 14 collegiate clubs/classes, representing 42 states and 63 universities. Participants shared over 1,380 posts about agriculture online and reached more than 10,000 people through campus events. The Alliance awarded $20,000 in scholarships. Insights from the 2023 program can be viewed in the 2023 College Aggies Online Impact Report.
Students interested in enhancing their communication skills and becoming effective advocates for agriculture are encouraged to sign up today. Registered participants who refer a friend to sign up will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
The CAO program is made possible through the generous support of sponsors including John K. Vanier Foundation, Institute for Feed Education and Research, Domino’s Pizza LLC, Ohio Poultry Association and National Chicken Council. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Logan Hall, director of membership and marketing, at [email protected].
