Collegiate Academy Class 1 Graduates

Seven Students Graduate from the Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy

Seven collegiate agriculture leaders completed the Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy program, a program that connected them with industry leaders throughout the country. This program is part of an effort by the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Corn Commission to provide opportunities for college students of all majors to learn more about the corn industry, explore issues facing agriculture and embrace the ways they can impact the industry through their future career paths.

The Collegiate Academy met for four sessions.  The focus of the program was ethanol, livestock, trade, policy, education, agronomy, conservation, and consumer engagement. After the completion of the fourth session, students completed a capstone project.

The first session of the Collegiate Academy gave students insight on the ethanol industry and the environmental factors that affect corn in Kansas. The academy spent a day in at the State Capitol in Topeka as their second session, where they learned about the role government plays in the agriculture industry. The third session took place in the agribusiness hub, Kansas City, to learn more about the different forms corn takes when leaving the state. During the fourth session, the collegiate academy visited Washington D.C. where they attended the summer NCGA Corn Congress, a semi-annual delegate session for the organization, along with other industry meetings.

Avery Aust, Louisburg, a sophomore in agribusiness at K-State said the program provided her with a well-rounded view on both corn and the agriculture industry.

“Through this program, I have learned more than I ever imagined possible regarding trade, conservation and agronomy, ethanol, livestock, policy, as well as consumers and education,” says Aust.

Kansas college students enrolled in 2-year or 4-year post-secondary schools are eligible to apply. For more information on the collegiate academy and other collegiate programs visit kscorn.com/corn-on-campus/

Full listing of Collegiate Academy Graduates:
Avery Aust, Louisburg, KS, agribusiness with marketing emphasis

Tyler Cloud, Garden City, KS, agribusiness

Gracie Danner, West Liberty, IA, agricultural economics with minor in international ag

Keren Duerksen, Newton, KS, agronomy

Trent Frye, Belleville, KS, agronomy

Jaylie Weseloh, Yates Center, KS, animal science and industry with minor in agribusiness

Tarra Rotstein, Ocala, FL, agricultural communications and journalism with a secondary major in global food systems leadership