College students, clubs, and classes are invited to sign up to participate in the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2024 College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program. The nine-week program kicks off on September 9. The program brings together college students and gives them 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. In the previous years, the 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. These include 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. 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. “Participants will walk away with the resume-building-skills and real-world experience needed to have impactful conversations about food and farming, thanks to real-world experience and guidance from mentors.”
In 2023 there were 344 individuals and 14 collegiate clubs/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 chance to win a $100 gift card.
