SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The NYS Agricultural Society Foundation is seeking an individual or group to coordinate the Ambassador Scholar program. Nearly 100 young adults—ages 18 to 25—have participated since the concept first launched in 2014. Ambassador Scholars are passionate about exploring academic and career opportunities in the agriculture supply chain, and are eager to build professional development skills. Competitively selecting annually, Ambassadors participate in the NYS Agricultural Society Annual Meeting & Forum, arguably the oldest and largest agricultural meeting of its kind in the US attracting upwards of 400 industry stakeholders annually. They also participate in summer regional tours and workshops. For college students and those just beginning their careers, the Ambassador experience is a tremendous opportunity to learn about timely industry issues and network with established leaders and decision-makers.
The Foundation has prepared a Request For Proposals for interested parties. This information can be found on the NYS Ag Society website at www.nysagsociety.org. For questions, contact Ann Noble Shephard at 315 -727-5449, ann@nysagsociety.org. Proposals are due to Ann electronically by May 1, 2021.
“The Ambassador program has been a crucial part of my leadership and professional development within the agriculture industry,” said Megan Clancy, DFA Senior Milk Marketing Analyst and Ambassador alumnus. “I’ve expanded my network and connected with many industry professionals. Several of these connections have developed into mentors. The program also goes beyond the Annual Forum with a Summer Leadership Experience which gives Ambassadors hands-on experiences and networking opportunities in different sectors of the industry. I believe all young professionals should go through the program to help build a personal network and develop leadership skills that are essential for the future of your career.”
“Ambassadors are eager to learn, engage, switch gears, and race to the top,” said Elwyn Voss, a former NYS Ag Society Foundation board member and program donor. “But to achieve their goals, they need a helping hand, a mentor, and financial supporters. In short, they need you and me to get involved. Think of the tangible opportunities we have for discussion and influence on this impressionable and critical target audience. Their take-home could shape courses taken, research topics studied, careers pursued and more.
“Established in 2011 by the NYS Agricultural Society, the NYS Agricultural Society Foundation’s mission is to foster, promote, and improve the NYS food and agricultural industry through education, leadership development and recognition programs. It is a 501(c)3 organization and its charitable funds are managed by the Central NY Community Foundation. Since 1832, the NYS Agricultural Society has helped to initiate numerous industry fixtures in the Empire State, most notably the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, the NYS Fair, and the Empire State Food and Agricultural Leadership Institute (LEADNY).
–NYS Agricultural Society Foundation
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