What is Campus Connections?

Campus Connections provides a unique opportunity for juniors (one 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, awards students a grant to attend the American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) Annual Convention held each year.

What is the ASTA Annual Convention?

The Annual Convention, attended by more than 500 seed industry professionals, is the only conference that brings all segments of the seed in dustry together to create policy and shape solutions. Companies in attendance range from small to large and everything from row crops (corn, soybeans, cotton and sorghum) to flower, vegetable, flower, grass and farm seed. As part of the Annual Convention, ASTA engages in wide-ranging discussions on such topics as biotechnology, sustainability, organics, breeding advancements, ag-policy and international trade. In addition to exposing participants to these topics, the Campus Connections program also includes 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 (one 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 for 2011 are currently closed but stay tuned for 2012.

What is covered by the program?

Significant financial support to attend the convention is included for students accepted to the Campus Connections program. It includes:

• Air Fare: 100% of coach air fare is reimbursed by FuSE through company sponsorships (Up to $580  round-trip participants will book their own travel arrangements).
• Hotel: $800 total (4 nights x $200.00/night, including taxes - participants will be paired with other students in the program, and FuSE will make the reservations).
• Convention Registration: The $449 cost will be waived by ASTA.
• Local Airport/Hotel Transportation cost:  Students will need to pay this cost up front. Students with receipts will be reimbursed by FuSE.
• Meals and Incidentals: Will be at the student’s cost but several meals and banquets are provided with registration.

 

For more information, contact info@futureseedexecutives.com or Anna Burks at aburks@amseed.org.

 

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Please note applications are no longer accepted for 2011
but the application process will renew in 2012. Stay tuned.

 

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.

 

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	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. > Click here for more information and nomination forms   Deadline for submissions: May 4, 2012

 

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Meet the 2011 Campus Connections Students