Ag Communicators Network’s Scholarship Program

Closes April 15

Agricultural Communicators Network (ACN) is the premier professional organization for communicators across the spectrum of agricultural media – from editors, writers and photojournalists to designers and public relations professionals. 

This year, thanks to a grant from ACN’s Professional Improvement Foundation and an endowment from Lyle Orwig, ACN is offering three scholarships to undergraduate students pursuing careers in agricultural communications: the Dr. James Evans Scholarship ($3,000) and two Past Presidents’ Scholarships ($2,000 each). 

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must be members of the National ACT organization. If a local ACT chapter is not available for a student to join, the student may become an individual member of National ACT by emailing nact.treasurer@gmail.com and nact.president@gmail.com expressing interest in becoming a member. National annual dues are $17. 

How It Works:

The committee will review applications and select three finalists to interview for the top award, the Dr. James Evans Scholarship, during the Ag Media Summit, July 26-29, 2025, in Rogers, Arkansas. Finalists will receive travel stipends of up to $1,000 each to attend AMS. Finalists must attend AMS to be eligible for the top scholarship, named for Dr. James Evans, who has had a tremendous impact on the establishment and growth of ag communications programs. 

Deadline: All required materials should be submitted to Courtney Girgis, ACN Future Ag Communicators Committee chair, at cllgirgis@gmail.com on or before April 15, 2025. 

Required Materials:

1. Completed application form.

2. Cover letter explaining why you are pursuing a career in agricultural communications and how this scholarship will help you achieve that goal.

3. Resume highlighting educational, leadership and career experiences.

4. An unofficial transcript showing GPA and coursework completed.

5. One (1) writing sample. This sample should demonstrate your ability to write about agricultural topics. It may be published or unpublished. 

6. One (1) professional reference. 

   
   

   Note: You (the student applicant) will NOT submit the reference letter directly. Instead, you will provide the reference form to an individual who can serve as a professional and/or character reference. The reference should email their letter directly to cllgirgis@gmail.com and chelsea.dinterman@agriculture.com.

   
   

   Do not use ACT advisers as a reference.

What We’re Looking For:

Applications will be judged based on:

• Internships and career-related experiences (25%)

• Writing skills, as demonstrated through a sample (25%)

• Leadership activities (15%)

• Academic achievements (15%)

• Reference recommendation (15%)

• General neatness and completion of application (5%)

All materials, including reference letters, must be received via email by Courtney Girgis, cllgirgis@gmail.com, AND Chelsea Dinterman (chelsea.dinterman@agriculture.com), on or before Monday, April 15, 2025. 

Learn more here.