Scholarships available for students passionate about agriculture advocacy
July 15, 2026 – 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. 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.
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. As a former CAO scholarship recipient, Main brings firsthand experience with the program and is excited to help participants strengthen their communication skills and confidently share agriculture’s story.
“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.”
In the individual division, students earn points by completing weekly challenges such as writing blog posts, creating infographics, producing short-form videos, and developing social media content that promotes agriculture and food production.
In the club and class division, collegiate organizations and classrooms compete by planning and hosting educational events that engage their campuses in conversations about agriculture. Activities may include food drives, farm tours, campus outreach events, educational displays, and other creative initiatives that connect students with modern agriculture.
Throughout the program, students have opportunities to network, collaborate, and ask questions in a private online group, connecting with peers from across the country as well as industry mentors and program sponsors.
“CAO helps college students bring structure to their passion for agriculture and sharing their agricultural story,” said Nicki Hardy, manager, partnerships and programs, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “It is a unique opportunity for students to practice their communication skills in a supportive space where they can learn from others, compete for scholarships, and build confidence for future careers and advocacy.”
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. Their support helps provide students with valuable communications experience, mentorship opportunities, and scholarships. Additional sponsorship support is essential to expanding the program’s impact and investing in the next generation of agricultural communicators. Organizations interested in sponsoring CAO can view the sponsorship opportunities or contact Nicki Hardy at nhardy@animalagalliance.org.
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