College students who are members of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow have the opportunity to apply for two scholarships, one that’s worth $3,000 and another that’s $1,500. They will be awarded at the 2024 Ag Media Summit in the summer, and applications are due on or before April 15.
The scholarships will go to students who have demonstrated commitment to their education and career goals.
Two finalists will be selected to participate in an in-person interview for the top scholarship: The Dr. James Evans Scholarship, which is offered in the amount of $3,000. Evans, emeritus professor of agricultural communications and journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has tremendously impacted the establishment and growth of agricultural communications programs and serves as a mentor for hundreds of former and present students. The recipient is recognized for “excellence in academics and leadership and for exemplifying the dedication and commitment of the outstanding individual for whom this award is named.”
The second-place winner will receive the Past Presidents’ Scholarship of $1,500.
The Dr. James Evans Scholarship is made possible through an endowment from Agricultural Communicators Network member Lyle E. Orwig, and the Past President’s Scholarship is made possible through donations to the ACN Professional Improvement Foundation.
“Through scholarships such as these, young professionals are able to further pursue their education and take advantage of opportunities that will ready them for the career of their choosing while positively contributing to the field,” said Julie Deering, ACN PIF Trustee Chair.
Finalists will be asked to participate in an on-site interview at the Agricultural Media Summit, the largest annual conference of agricultural communicators in the U.S. The two finalists will each receive travel stipends of up to $1,000 to attend the Summit, which fosters networking and learning from industry experts. This year’s Ag Media Summit will be Aug. 4 to 7 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Applicants must be current members of ACT and enrolled as an undergraduate student at a university or college during the time of their application.
Recipients of the scholarships, funded through a grant from the ACN’s Professional Improvement Foundation, will be selected based on the following:
- Internships and career-related experiences
- Writing skills, as demonstrated through a sample
- Leadership activities
- Academic achievements
- Reference recommendation
- General neatness and completion of application
Click here for 2024 ACN Scholarship Application Form and 2024 ACN Scholarship Reference Form.
The Agricultural Communicators Network (formerly known as the American Agricultural Editors Association) is the premier professional organization for communicators across the spectrum of agricultural media — from editors, writers, and photojournalists to designers and public relations professionals. AGDAILY employees are members of this organization, and one staffer serves on the Future Ag Communicators Committee.
For more questions, contact Courtney Girgis, chair of the Future Ag Communicators Committee.