Monday, December 1 is the deadline to submit applications for the fourth Jersey Youth Academy, scheduled for July 19-24, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio.
Jersey Youth Academy is an intensive educational program sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association and is focused on the Jersey cow and the various elements of the Jersey dairy business. Academy challenges participants to understand the long history and recent growth of the Jersey breed and shows them the many opportunities and challenges of the dairy business in the future.
The 2015 Academy class will meet leaders from the Jersey community and the support industry, and gain their unique insights about the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow. They will also tour Jersey operations and milk processing facilities, and participate in hands-on workshops ranging from linear type evaluation to marketing and promotion.
Youth who will be seniors in high school in the fall of 2015 through those with at least one year remaining in their degree program at an accredited vocational school, college or university are eligible to apply. Applicants must be legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only one time.
A total of 36 youth will be selected based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in the written application and goal statement. Applications are posted on the USJersey website and must be received not later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on December 1, 2014.
All program, housing and transportation costs are paid by the Academy’s 501(c)(3) educational foundation. Contributors to the foundation represent a broad spectrum of Jersey breeder and dairy industry support, with the largest contribution to date coming from the all-donation National Heifer Sale in 2011.
About the National Jersey Youth Programs
Organized in 1868, the American Jersey Cattle Association has sponsored educational programs and activities for young people interested in the Jersey breed since 1917. Junior members have the same registration privileges as Lifetime Members, and also the incentives of a comprehensive program leading to national recognition for their achievements with Jersey cattle. These programs include:
- Free membership in the association until the youth’s 21st birthday;
- the National Jersey Youth Production Contest and Pot O’Gold Sale, which create incentives for keeping production and management records;
- the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, the ultimate recognition for Jersey youth between the ages of 16 and 20;
- national scholarships that help pay for hands-on work experiences and college educations;
- The All American Junior Jersey Show, providing the thrill of competition in the largest show of Registered Jerseys™ in the world and introductions to lifelong friends from across the United States; and
- Jersey Youth Academy, an intensive educational program to be held for the fourth time in 2015 in Columbus, Ohio.
For more information, contact the American Jersey Cattle Association by writing 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362, or visit its web site at USJersey.com.