CAMPUS CONNECTIONS Connecting Undergraduate Students & the Seed Industry
What is Campus Connections?
Campus Connections provides a unique opportunity for juniors (1 year of undergraduate studies remaining) working towards a career in the seed industry to interact with seed industry professionals and senior executives to investigate various aspects of the seed business. FuSE (Future Seed Executives), via the Campus Connections program, will award students a grant to attend the American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) 130th Annual Convention to be held June 15-19, 2013, in Nashville, TN.
The Annual Convention is attended by approximately 300 seed industry professionals representing small, medium, and large companies focused on different seed industry segments: large row crops (corn, soybeans, cotton, and sorghum), flower, vegetable, and grass seed. The Annual Convention covers a range of topics including biotechnology, sustainability, organics, breeding advancements, ag policy, and international trade. In addition to exposing participants to these diverse topics, the Campus Connections program will also include networking opportunities and one-on-one mentoring by seed industry executives.
Who is able to participate in Campus Connections and how do they apply?
Applicants for the Campus Connections program must be juniors (1 year of undergraduate studies remaining) working towards a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Sciences/Genetics, Ag-Business/Economics, Biological Engineering, Horticulture, Floriculture, or other seed-related area of study. Applications must be received by May 3, 2013.
Significant financial support to attend the convention is included for students accepted to the Campus Connections program. It includes:
Air Fare – Up to $580.00 round-trip (participants will book their own travel arrangements).
Hotel – Participants will be paired with other students in the program, and FuSE will make the reservations.
Convention Registration
Local Airport/Hotel Transportation cost – Students are expected to pay for their transportation costs to and from the airport and host hotel upfront, but will be reimbursed for any receipts submitted.
American Seed Research Foundation Operation Student Connection
The American Seed Research Foundation (ASRF) puts on a similar program for graduate students called Operation Student Connection that also takes place during ASTA’s Annual Convention. If you know of any graduate students that would be interested in participating in this networking opportunity, please direct them to the ASRF Website.
FUTURE GIANTS OF THE SEED INDUSTRY AWARD
The Future Giants of the Seed Industry program is sponsored by FuSE (Future Seed Executives), an initiative of The American Seed Trade Association, and Seed World magazine. The recipient will be chosen by the Seed World Advisory Board—a panel of seed industry experts.
The Future Giants of the Seed Industry award annually recognizes an individual who is in the graduation year of his/her post-secondary program who plans to enter the seed industry, OR is currently employed in the seed industry and is seen as a rising leader. In both cases, we seek an individual who shows the potential to make a significant contribution to the industry.
