During the 2024 Kansas Corn Symposium, Kansas Corn celebrated the graduation of students from the sixth class of the Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy. This program, offered by the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Corn Commission, exposes college students to the corn industry, agricultural challenges, and potential career pathways.

Members of the sixth Collegiate Academy class were commended for their completion of the program, which broadened their understanding of ethanol, livestock, trade, policy, education, agronomy, conservation, and consumer engagement.

They visited the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka during the first session to meet with state representatives and understand state-level lobbying. The second session included a trip to Wichita and Canton to learn about the ethanol industry, how grain moves through the railway system, and exports. During the third session, the group also explored northwest Kansas, learning about irrigation, ethanol production, and local agricultural businesses. In July, students traveled to Washington D.C. for NCGA’s Corn Congress, learning about policy impacts on family farms and international grain markets. They also visited farms in the Chesapeake Bay area to understand crab and dairy production, while observing farming practices under stringent environmental regulations. To conclude the program, students presented capstone projects summarizing their experiences and received scholarships from Kansas Corn upon completion.

Kansas college students enrolled in 2-year or 4-year post-secondary schools are eligible to apply for the Collegiate Academy. The seventh class is currently in progress, and applications for Class 8 will open in fall 2024.