Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy

The Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy gives college students the opportunity to dive deeper into the corn industry, providing insights into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and how their future career paths fit in the corn industry.

Applications for Class 7 of Collegiate Academy are open. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary school and still plan to be enrolled in school through the fall semester of 2024.

Collegiate Academy Activities

Day at the Capitol in Topeka

Learn from lawmakers and lobbyists at the Statehouse

Corn Congress in Washington DC

Meet movers and shakers in agriculture in Washington DC, and attend Corn Congress

Two Additional Learning Sessions in Kansas

Meet industry leaders and influencers during two sessions in Kansas

Complete a Capstone Project

Complete your academy experience with a capstone project

Collegiate Academy Application Requirements

Each application must include the following pieces to be considered:

  • Completed application form answering all of the questions
  • Must have a student membership, only $25 for a 12-month membership
  • Student must attend a post-secondary education Kansas institution
  • Must be enrolling in classes for the spring and fall 2024 semesters
  • Two reference forms from non-family members, one must be an academic contact
  • One-page resume highlighting academic, work and extracurricular activities and experience
  • Dates of sessions to be announced

Applications for Class 7 are due Nov. 15, 2023. A confirmation email will be sent to student when all necessary materials and forms are received.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are students selected?

Students are selected through this application process by one Kansas Corn Growers Association Board member, one Kansas Corn Commissioner and one industry representative.

Are the Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy and the Next Generation Scholarship open to graduate students?

Yes, both of these opportunities are open to graduate and undergraduate students.

What if I have not received my student membership number?

You can email: collegiate@ksgrains.com for your number, or you can put “Submitted” on the line for the membership number. We try to get applications processed in a timely fashion, but there can be delays.

Can I use the same references for both the Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy and the Next Generation Scholarship?

Yes, you can ask the same person to complete a reference form for both applications. However, they will need to complete separate forms for both the Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy and the Next Generation Scholarship.

Can I get help with class conflicts that fall during the sessions?

Kansas Corn is here to help, the coordinator will provide you with a customized excuse letter for your professor(s).

What expenses are not covered?

Almost all expenses are covered by Kansas Corn. Participants are responsible for getting themselves to the meeting spot (Manhattan) for the three in-state sessions. Travel will be covered for the Washington D.C. session.

Can I ask a family member to fill out a reference form for me?

No, all reference forms need to be completed by non-family members.

Collegiate Academy Class 6

Members of Class 6 of the Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy:

  • Abby Johnson, Ag Education, Kansas State University
  • Baylee Wulfkuhle, Ag Economics, Kansas State University
  • Cody Dahl, Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University
  • Kaitlyn Butler, Ag Education, Kansas State University
  • Liberty Thompson, Ag Economics & Global Food Systems, Kansas State University
  • Molly McClure, Ag Education, Kansas State University
  • Monica Short, Agronomy, Kansas State University
  • Piper Schlatter, Ag Business, Kansas State University
  • Weston Guetterman, Ag Economics, Kansas State University

What participants say about their experience

For more information on this program, please
contact Emily Koop at Kansas Corn.