The power of a small seed can help change the world. Take this year to grow something whether it is in your back yard or in your mind.  Grow a garden or learn more about farm to table.  The idea is to #JustGrowIt. We would love for you to join the program and become a champion for the industry.
Student Connections is a program hosted by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and the Seed Science Foundation (SSF) through the Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) Committee. This opportunity was created to provide networking opportunities with industry mentors, executives, and thought leaders for university students who are interested in pursuing careers in the seed industry. Selected students will have the opportunity to engage in educational opportunities before and during the Leadership Summit, and will leave as strong collegiate ambassadors for the seed industry on their respective campuses. Program participants will travel to ASTA’s Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., June 8-11, 2025.
Student Connections is designed for students in undergraduate or graduate degree programs with aspirations on joining the seed industry. The 2025 Student Connections application can be found here. The deadline to submit the application, resume and requested documents is Friday, March 14, 2025. Questions? Email kcrawford@betterseed.org.
Selected students will also be granted ASTA Student Membership.
Do you have what it takes to be a seed ambassador? ASTA is seeking members to join its Seed Ambassador Leadership Team (SALT)! The SALT team is a diverse network of ASTA members who actively engage, promote, and support the seed industry with a unified voice. ASTA provides members of this exclusive team with free training and ongoing support to help them become everyday seed ambassadors.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? There is no cost to participate, and there are no set time commitments for members, other than attending an in-person training session. We simply ask that you are willing to engage in the conversation on social media and/or in your schools and communities about seed and agriculture, and the critical role it plays in our lives. ASTA will give you all the resources you need for success, including turn-key monthly social media calendars, template presentations, access to continuing education webinars, and more.
WHEN IS THE TRAINING SESSION? A full-day training session will be held in December in conjunction with ASTA’s Field Crop Seed Convention and in January in conjunction with ASTA’s Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference. Only one of these training’s is required to join the SALT program.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TRAINING? The training session will feature expert speakers covering topics including social media âdos and donâtsâ and unlocking your personal communications style.
WHO CAN JOIN? Anyone wanting to be an advocate for the seed industry and willing to engage with their community and network.
HOW DO I APPLY? Application information for upcoming trainings will be posted soon. Check back for more information.
QUESTIONS? Contact Kaity Crawford!
 Learn more about ASTA! www.betterseed.org @Better_Seed
2019 Winners:
1. Kevin Falk – Iowa State University
2. Matthew Wilson – University of Missouri
3. Hannah Van Eendenburg – University of Colorado, Boulder
To see past winners, click here.
