By Courtney Girgis and Chelsea Dinterman, Committee Co-Chairs
Here is the ACN Future Ag Communicators Committee report, submitted to the ACN Board of Directors in July.
Recent Activities/Updates
Scholarships: Received 13 scholarship applications from 11 different schools, including one without an ACT chapter. We will be selecting three finalists for the Dr. James Evans Scholarship ($3,000) to interview at Ag Media Summit. Will also be awarding two Past Presidents Scholarships ($2,000).
Finalists are Morgan Anderson (Ohio University), Maci Carter (Oklahoma State), Megan Clark (Iowa State)
Interviews will take place Sunday, July 27, and Dr. James Evans Scholarship will be announced at the Student Luncheon at AMS
Contest: We did not receive any entries in the student contest. Considering pivoting to a social media corps type opportunity based on a note from PIF asking if students could write Byline articles, etc.
Mentorship: Five ACN student members signed up for a new mentorship opportunity in which they are paired with an ACN professional member attending AMS. Guidelines are for students and professionals to have an introductory call prior to AMS, meet at Welcome Party, interact at least 10-15 minutes each day, and share a meal together/find a different time to for a 30-minute conversation.
ACT Contest Platform: Adding ACT to ACN’s Reviewr contest platform would not save them money, so recommended they submit a PIF grant to help with their costs. The conversation continues with ACT.
Goals for AMS + 2025-2026
Promote student membership opportunity and activities (sponsored by Alltech) with Membership Committee.
Launch a year-long mentorship opportunity + student exclusive webinars based on info getting from sign-up form.
Sign-ups at AMS business meeting a sign-up sheet to help identify ACN members who already have established ties with universities and follow-up with Byline.