One of Michigan’s strongest youth develop partners is the Michigan dairy industry. Local producers, co-ops, nutritionists and many others help to support and offer additional programming for youth.
One such program is the Michigan Dairy Ambassadors, a leadership and scholarship opportunity held in conjunction with the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference. The 2017 conference will be at the Bavarian Inn and Conference Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan, Feb. 2-4, with the Ambassadors program taking place Friday, Feb. 3.
This Ambassadors program offers leadership development, communication training, industry networking opportunities, scholarships and much more for youth who have a passion for the dairy industry. To become an ambassador, youth should follow directions on the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Application 2017 and submit it before Jan. 6, 2017. There are two age divisions for ambassadors: junior (ninth through 12th grade) and senior (college students under 22 years old). Up to six individuals in each age divisions will be invited to participate in the program. (Photo Credit Sara Long)
During the daylong event, participants will work with a panel of media and dairy experts as they practice interviewing and writing skills and learn more about how to share their agricultural stories. These skills will be put into practical use as participants will have an important role in sharing their experiences and promoting the dairy industry throughout 2017. During the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference banquet Friday evening, all ambassadors will be recognized and one junior and one senior will receive a scholarship for their participation.
Kristen Burkhardt of Livingston and Kent counties was the winner of the junior scholarship in 2016. Reflecting on her time as a Michigan Dairy Ambassador, Burkhardt said, “Being a Dairy Ambassador this past year was both an honor and a great opportunity. I got the chance to travel to different places across Michigan, promoting the amazing dairy cow to consumers. Having a passion for the dairy industry means a lot to me, and this program allowed me to share my special interest with others. Being a Dairy Ambassador enabled me to grow as a leader, share my dairy story, and most of all promote the dairy industry. I definitely advise anyone who has enthusiasm for the dairy cow to apply for the Dairy Ambassador Program and experience what it has to offer.”
For questions or to find out additional information about the Michigan Dairy Ambassadors Program (HERE) or contact Megghan Honke Seidel at 517-884-7089/ [email protected].
Today’s youth will be the voice for tomorrow, thus it is important they have support and the tools to help them reach their fullest potential. Michigan 4-H, the youth development program of Michigan State University Extension, helps to accomplish this goal by teaching youth life skills, developing civically engaged leaders, preparing youth for future careers and employment, building science literacy and much more to be successful adults. There truly is something for everyone and every interest in the 4-H program.
For more information please visit HERE.
Source – Michigan State University Extension
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