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 Sept. 9, bringing together college students from across the country to equip them with the skills needed to become confident communicators for agriculture, according to a release.
Students will 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.
Each week, students can earn points in the individual division by completing 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, Animal Agriculture Alliance said in a release.
“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,” Emily Ellis, manager, communications and content, Animal Agriculture Alliance, said in a release. “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.”
2023 By the Numbers
- 344 individuals
- 14 collegiate clubs/classes
- 42 states
- 63 universities S
- More than 1,380 posts shared about agriculture
- Posts reached more than 10,000 people in-person via campus events
- $20,000 in scholarships
To see more insights from the 2023 program, view the 2023 College Aggies Online Impact Report.
Animal Agriculture Alliance encourages students interested in becoming confident and effective communicators for agriculture 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.
CAO would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including John K. Vanier Foundation, Institute for Feed Education and Research, Domino’s Pizza LLC, Ohio Poultry Association, and National Chicken Council.
