The Animal Agriculture Alliance is excited to announce the return of its annual College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program. Beginning September 21, the nine-week program connects college students from across the country who are passionate about sharing agriculture’s story.
Program Details
Through hands-on communication challenges, mentorship, and networking opportunities, participants will strengthen their communication skills while gaining confidence to engage in conversations about agriculture online and on campus. Collegiate students, clubs, and classes are invited to sign up now.
Last year, through CAO the Alliance awarded more than $16,000 in scholarships and prizes to students, clubs, and classes for demonstrating creativity and effective communication. Similar scholarship opportunities are available for participants in the 2026 program.
Mentorship and Networking
Throughout the program, participants connect with farmers, ranchers, industry professionals, and agricultural communicators who serve as mentors, offering real-world insight into agricultural communications and career development. Among this year’s mentors is Alexis Main, Ph.D., who serves as the Oklahoma Animal Care Advocate through her consulting firm, Paradigma Agricultural Innovations and Consulting, LLC.
“CAO played such a pivotal role in my life, not only helping me develop the skills and confidence to advocate for animal agriculture but also inspiring my pursuit of an advanced degree in animal well-being,” said Main. “Having been a CAO scholarship recipient and past Alliance intern, it’s incredibly meaningful to come full circle as a mentor and support students through the same program and organization that had such a lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally.”
Registration and Sponsorship
Registration is now open for the 2026 program. College students, clubs, and classes are encouraged to sign up and begin preparing for the September 21 kickoff. The 2026 CAO program is sponsored by CHS Foundation, Cooper Farms, Culver Franchising System, Dairy Management Inc., Farm Credit, Institute for Feed Education and Research, Lallemand, John K. Vanier Foundation, National Chicken Council, National Corn Growers Association, National Pork Board, and Ohio Poultry Association.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
