The Missouri Pork Association has several opportunities available for youth interested in increasing their knowledge in the pork industry.

2020 Youth Pork Ambassador Program
MPA is now accepting applications for the 2020 Youth Pork Ambassador Program. The program allows students to actively interact with leaders in Missouri’s pork industry and receive a $1,000 scholarship, payable to any technical school, community college or a four-year institution. The students selected for the Ambassador Program will not only be awarded a scholarship; but will also receive many opportunities to expand their knowledge of the pork industry.

The main goal of the Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador is to promote the MPA and the pork industry at various events. As an ambassador, participants will attend at least six events throughout the year including: University of Missouri Pork Institute, Taste of Elegance, Missouri Pork Classic Golf Tournament, the Governor’s Conference on Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair and the Missouri Pork Expo.

Participation in the Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador Program will help youth develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members. By attending various events throughout the year the Ambassador will learn about pork production, the industry and make life-long connections in the field. The Ambassador will improve networking, communication and leadership skills.

To qualify, applicants must be a senior in high school up to a sophomore in college as of Jan. 1 of the year they will begin the program. Applications and three letters of recommendation are due Dec. 13. Click here for complete details and an application, or contact Diane Slater, director of communications for MPA, at 573-445-8375.

MPA Internship Program
This program allows students to obtain training in a real world setting to develop personal, organizational and public relations skills and experiences. A variety of duties are assigned to each intern — all with differing levels of responsibility. The MPA Internship Program offers a spring, summer and fall internship to those who have completed at least two years (four semesters) of college courses. The summer position is full time. The spring and fall positions work approximately 15 hours per week, making it a great way for students to work while attending school.

Compensation schedules are in line with other comparable programs. The deadline for applications and three letters of recommendation is Nov. 1.

Following is a brief list of activities for each internship. Additional projects may be assigned.

Spring: Manage the Missouri Pork Expo live and silent auction; assist with In the Show Ring Scavenger Hunt; attend Working Women’s Survival Show in St. Louis; assist with MPA Youth Show Pig Circuit Benefit Auction; and participate in Taste of Elegance events.

Summer: Attend World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa; manage the Missouri Pork Institute, Swine Health Symposium and Missouri Pork Classic Golf Tournament; and attend Missouri State Fair events.

Fall: Assist in membership drive and educational events; research and write articles for annual magazine; plan activities for October Pork Month; plan Swine Institute and assist with FFA Pork Speaking Contest.

Click here to learn more about the MPA Internship Program, or to complete an application, or contact Diane Slater, director of communications, at 573-445-8375.

Missy North Memorial Scholarship
MPA is now accepting applications for the Missy North Memorial Scholarship. The winning candidate will receive a $2,500 scholarship to further their education in a swine-related field.

The scholarship was created to honor the late Missy North, wife of Missouri pork producer Bob North. Missy loved raising hogs, and was very active in the industry. Bob and his family are making the scholarship available to a deserving student aspiring to play a role in the future of the pork industry.

Applicants must be an undergraduate student attending a two-year swine program in Missouri or a four-year College of Agriculture in Missouri, majoring in animal sciences or a related area, with plans to pursue a career in swine production management or a related field. Applicants must have completed at least 30 hours of college courses.

To apply, students must submit an online application, two letters of recommendation and academic transcripts no later than Jan. 10, 2020. The scholarship will be awarded at the Missouri Pork Expo in Columbia on Feb. 11, 2020.

Click here for complete details and the online application.

Source: Missouri Pork Association, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.