An exciting professional development and networking opportunity is available for undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in the seed 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 Policy & Leadership Development Conference, and will leave as strong collegiate ambassadors for the seed industry on their respective campuses. Program participants will travel to ASTA’s Policy & Leadership Development Conference in Washington, D.C. in June 2021.

Student Connections is designed for students in undergraduate or graduate degree programs with aspirations on joining the seed industry. The 2021 Student Connections application can be found here. The deadline to submit the application, resume and requested documents is Friday, March 5, 2021. Questions? Email info@betterseed.org.

Selected students will have the opportunity to present a summary of their research project in a poster session or oral presentation, be a candidate for the Roger Krueger Scholarship, be granted ASTA Student Membership and be able to participate in the Seed Science Challenge.

In the event that the conference moves to a virtual platform for students, all students who submit an application will be granted complimentary student membership and registration to the virtual conference. ASTA and SSF will select finalists for the Roger Krueger Scholarship and participation in the Seed Science Challenge from the submitted applications.