When you bring together talented, motivated young minds, they will push each other to even greater heights. Those who are intrapreneurial – innovating wherever they are – never settle for the status quo. Instead they continue building and pushing for the next breakthrough.
This concept ideals prompted the Agriculture Future of America student leaders to select the theme “Soar: Reach New Heights” for the 2017 AFA Leaders Conference.
“’Soar: Reach New Heights’ means to take on new opportunities, expand your horizons and go above and beyond in areas where you didn’t think you were capable,” said Max Mielke, AFA Student Advisory Team member from Washington State University.
This year’s event will be Nov. 2-5 in Kansas City, Missouri. College students are selected to attend this 4-Track Conference program through a competitive application process. Each Track corresponds to a student’s year in school and previous Conference attendance. Track 1 is all freshman students; Track 2 is sophomore and junior students; Track 3 juniors and seniors and Track 4 seniors. Each Track is built around a core AFA leader development competency: self-assessment, communication, change management and lifelong learning.
“With all of us coming together and working together for common goals, we can really reach new heights within agriculture and grow personally and professional to make our industry the best it can possibly be,” said Jaime Luke, AFA Student Advisory Team member from the University of Missouri.
Industry sponsorship applications are now open to students pursuing careers in agriculture and food. Sponsorship covers program registration, curriculum materials, lodging and meals. Travel is not included. Applications for Tracks 1-3 are due Sept. 11. To learn more about Conference, or to access the application, visit www.agfuture.org/conference.
Student application eligibility requirements:
- Recommended 3.0 GPA or higher
- Undergraduate student status
- Age 17-25
- Attending a four-year institution or articulate plans to obtain a four-year degree
- Possess a passion for agriculture
- Plans to pursue a career in agriculture
This year, AFA will select 800 students from across the nation to attend Conference. Last year’s delegation represented 43 states and 88 colleges and universities. Delegates gain valuable experience and relationships through opportunities to network with each other and industry professionals. Conference boasts a 3:1 student to industry professional ratio. The AFA Opportunity Fair, held in conjunction with Conference, allows students to explore internship, job, study abroad and graduate school opportunities.
