The Nebraska Pork Producers Association, under the direction of Education Director Sophia Lentfer, has launched a new Pork Ambassador Program. The Pork Ambassador Program is a career development program that will provide a variety of firsthand experiences to promote career development. 

NPPA is seeking college-age students to be a part of the Pork Ambassador Program. If students are connected to agriculture and believe in the future of the pork industry, they are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants must be between 18-23 years of age, be enrolled full-time in a Nebraska post-secondary school. The yearlong program will run from Jan. 1, 2023 to Jan 1, 2024. During that time students will attend seminars where they will learn about the various and varied career opportunities of the pork and agriculture industries. Applicants do not have to be a pork producer to apply.

The Pork Ambassador will job shadow pork industry professionals, promote agriculture and the pork industry, and improve leadership, team building and communications skills. Ambassodors will also travel to the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, the Nebraska Pork Expo and other industry tours and group events. Upon successfully completing the program, students will receive a $500 scholarship toward their education expenses. Students will not be responsible for any expenses to participate in the program.

Interested students should complete the application online and submit an up-to-date resume by Nov. 1. Applications will be reviewed, and selection notifications will be sent by Nov. 15. 

For more information, contact Sophia Lentfer via email or 531-500-3423.

NPPA is also accepting applications for the Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship. College students enrolled as full-time undergraduate or graduate students at a fully accredited Nebraska college, university or technical college in an agriculture related degree program are encouraged to apply. 

The deadline to apply is Nov. 10. Applications will be reviewed, and selection notifications will be sent by Dec. 1. Students may apply for the scholarship online.

The Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded to one deserving applicant.

The scholarship is named for Sitzman, who retired in 2016 as executive director of NPPA. Sitzman learned patriotism, service to our country and respect for our leaders from his parents. While in high school, he heard John F. Kennedy's inaugural address, in which he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This address increased his desire to serve.

Agriculture has always been his passion. Throughout his life he has provided service in various forms of leadership. Sitzman is known for sharing his voice defending perspectives and asking challenging questions. He served on many state and national agricultural boards before being named the Director of Agriculture for Nebraska in 1991. 

Academics, agriculture, military and other forms of public service have all improved in some measure due to the leadership, service and voice of Sitzman. Upon his retirement, NPPA established this scholarship in his honor.

Eligibility requirements:

Selection will be based on qualities of leadership and participation in collegiate or extracurricular activities related to the agriculture industry.

Source: Nebraska Pork Producers 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.