Soy Scholars Provides Unique Career-Building Opportunity for Students

High school students considering an ag-related career are encouraged to participate in the Soy Scholars program, which is being offered by the Iowa Soybean Association with support from Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. Soy Scholars will launch April 18-19 at the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference in Ames, and applications are due May 3.

Four students will be selected to participate in the three-session career emersion, field experience and job shadow program. During the sessions, students will work directly with a mentor in their field of interest to gain hands-on experience, ask questions and make connections.

Soy Scholars will allow students to explore career paths before they graduate high school or declare a college major. That’s why Latham Seeds is proud to help showcase a wide-array of ag-related careers from agricultural production and marketing communications to seed sales and precision farming. Those students selected to participate in this program will get real-world experience. They’ll gain insights about an industry that aren’t readily available online or in a textbook. And just as importantly, these students will meet some of our state’s top agricultural leaders who farm or work in agribusiness.

One out of every five Iowans work in an agriculture- related job, according to a 2014 study. Iowa’s agriculture industry contributes one out of every three dollars in Iowa’s economy, or 33 percent of the total state economy. This sizable contribution offers more than a few opportunities for Iowa youth.

For more information or to apply, visit the ISA booth at the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference or go to www.iasoybeans.com/SoyScholars/.