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Dickinson Scholars Program

The Dickinson Scholars Program provides an opportunity for College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) sophomores to become acquainted with the Kansas City agribusiness community.

2009 Scholars

First row: Ashli Weinrich, Kaley Cobb, Danielle Bellis, Kaitlyn Kerwin.
Second row: Katie Maupin, Jordan Hubach, Kathleen Sprouse, Brenda Arnold, Becca Bunton, Charlotte Jackson.
Third row: Katlyn Logan, Shannon Weber, Jeremy Griesbaum, Jason Reichert, Brad Eisenbath, Rachel Duff.

About the Program

Participants are assigned to teams for a project-based tour of Kansas City agribusinesses. These interactive tours are designed to help participants gain an understanding of the Kansas City agribusiness work environment.

There are also evening programs that feature leading Kansas City agribusiness leaders. Other evening programs provide an opportunity for Dickinson Scholars to meet CAFNR alumni in the greater Kansas City area and to visit with hosts from all the companies involved with the week's program.

[Participating in the Dickinson Scholars Program] was very beneficial. It gave a great perspective as to what to expect in the corporate world, and it opened up options of the jobs that are out there for us when we graduate. It was also a great opportunity to get to know other CAFNR students. The networking was amazing!

— 2009 Dickinson Scholar

Objectives

Provide an opportunity for participants to observe firsthand the types of challenges and opportunities available in a wide range of Kansas City agribusiness companies.
Provide the scholars an opportunity to develop an appreciation and understanding of the professional requirements for a successful career in agribusiness.

Funding

The Dickinson Scholars program is funded by an endowment established by the late Gary Dickinson.

Program Requirements

Dickinson Scholars must:

Be of sophomore or higher standing (at least 45 hours completed by end of fall semester) and enrolled in CAFNR.
Have a 2.5 minimum GPA while enrolled at MU.
Be available the entire week of the program (Jan. 10-15, 2010).
Must have completed Ag Econ 1041 and 1042. Ag Econ 2183 is recommended.
Submit:

An updated resume.
List three references
A cover letter addressing the following:

What you hope to gain from the program?
What three unique qualifications can you bring to the program?

Applications are due by noon, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 in 2-64 Agriculture Building.

Applications will be reviewed and finalists will be asked to set up an interview Oct. 20-22, 2009. Selected participants must attend a mandatory business and dinner etiquette program on Oct. 29. There will be a $10 to $20 fee associated with this dinner. Additional required orientation sessions will also take place.

Kansas City Plaza photo credit: Brian Hillegas