MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — AgChoice Farm Credit recently recognized this year’s AgChoice Scholars, a small group of Penn State students who participated in a unique experiential learning opportunity, with scholarships.
“The Scholars program was a great experience, both academically and personally,” shared participant Laura Ritchey. “I learned and experienced a lot about agriculture and finance, and picked up many new skills that I will carry with me in my career.”
Open to eligible sophomores and juniors, AgChoice Scholars gain first-hand experience working with Pennsylvania’s largest agricultural lender and a glimpse into the agricultural lending industry. Students participate in a two-year program that includes educational seminars, a one-week externship, field trips to local agribusinesses and credit analysis projects.
“AgChoice Scholars is designed to build future agricultural industry leaders while giving students an opportunity to network with their peers, AgChoice staff and other industry representatives,” said Darrell Curtis, AgChoice CEO and President. “In meeting with these students, we know agriculture’s future is in great hands.”
Year One AgChoice Scholars:
Kayla Kneasel, Animal Science, Lebanon, PA
Katelyn Zembrzycki, Plant Sciences: Crop Production, Uniondale, PA
Katie Elder, Animal Science, State College, PA
Erin Forgy, Agribusiness Management, Tyrone, PA
Brandon Stitzel, Economics, Kutztown, PA
Maura Cruse, International Agriculture, Altoona, PA
Year Two AgChoice Scholars:
Casey Branstetter, Agribusiness Management, Tyrone, PA
Mikayla Carbaugh, Agribusiness Management, Woodbury, PA
Greg Kowalewski, Animal Science Business Option, Forest City, PA
Laura Ritchey, Public Relations, Martinsburg, PA
Gretchen Seigworth, Agribusiness Management, Brookville, PA
To learn more about the program and the 2018 application process, visit agchoice.com.
AgChoice Farm Credit is an Agricultural Credit Association with $1.9 billion in gross loan assets. Through 10 branch offices, it provides financial services to 8,383 customer-owners in 52 counties in central, western and northern Pennsylvania as well as four counties in West Virginia.
To learn more about AgChoice Farm Credit and its financial programs, visit agchoice.com.
–AgChoice Farm Credit