The AG EDbassador Program is a one year program for exceptional high school students who are interested in promoting agricultural education in elementary and middle schools in their area as part of a statewide Ag literacy team. The purpose of this program is threefold: 1) To expose promising high school students to a major in agricultural education through early field experiences; 2) To promote agricultural literacy in elementary and middle schools across the State of Illinois; and 3) To inform elementary and middle school students about the various opportunities available through their local agricultural education program.
2010 - 2011 AG EDbassador Team
Jennifer Boberg |
Abriel Brooks |
Jamee Crawford |
Thea Fruhling |
Billy Masco |
Jennifer Nelson |
Kristina Peters |
Kye Witek |
Marshae Young |
Click here for AG EDbassador Presentation Evaluation Form
AG EDbassador Program Benefits
Experience college life firsthand through a 5-day, all expense paid, interactive orientation at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign during November 2nd-6th. Click here for a 2011 schedule of the orientation.
Learn instructional strategies and presentation techniques taught to agricultural education students to increase comfort in front of an audience and effectiveness of presentations.
Work with a team of students with similar backgrounds and/or interests to create fun agricultural literacy lessons for elementary and middle school students.
Develop relationships with faculty and students in the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the Agricultural Education Program.
Impact Illinois Agricultural Education by teaching younger students about agriculture and promoting the wonderful opportunities available to them if they enroll in their local agricultural education program.
Discover the many career opportunities with a degree in Agricultural Sciences and Leadership Education.
Receive mileage reimbursement for a minimum of 4 presentations, Ag literacy materials, and fun gifts to give out at the presentations.
Receive 2 credits in AGED 293 for completing the program upon entrance into University of Illinois.
Participate in fun group enrichment activities with other members of the AG EDbassador team.
Preferential consideration for University of Illinois Ag Education scholarships and paid student worker positions.
How to Apply
The application deadline is 5:00PM, Friday, October 7, 2011. Late applications may be considered if space is available for the mandatory orientation. Applications will be accepted via US mail to the address below, postmarked no later than Wednesday, October 5, 2011. For those who wish to send digitally, all requested documents can be sent via email as a compressed (zipped) folder to Dr. James C. Anderson II. Please make sure all documents are converted to .pdf files. Click here to view the application.
Cost
The mandatory 5-day orientation is covered. The orientation, will include cost of housing while on campus, meals for duration of the orientation, and instructional materials for local presentations. AG EDbassadors will be given all the supplies and materials they need for their presentation and gifts to give to students.
Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the Urbana campus for 5-day orientation. After the orientation, AG EDbassadors are required to conduct at least 4 presentations in their local area during the spring of the 2012. There will be a $35 fee to cover the cost of the AG EDbassador polo, which should be worn during local presentations as part of the program professional dress.
Selection Criteria
Participants are selected on a competitive basis. Applicants should have a good academic record (minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA in agriculture courses). Applicants must be in the 10th, 11th or 12th grades with a minimum of two Ag courses successfully completed. Selection is based on involvement in extracurricular activities, career and outside interests, responses to short essay questions, Ag teacher recommendation, transcripts, and availability to fulfill responsibilities of the ambassadorship. Consideration will be given to students who are not able to fulfill the Ag course requirement if it is due to limited course availability or academic scheduling conflict. In addition, special consideration will be given to ensure representation in all 5 IAVAT Districts. Selected applicants will be notified NO LATER THAN October 14, 2011.
Application Components
Application Form
4 short response questions
List of Experiences & Responsibilities
Ag Teacher Recommendation
Official School Transcripts
Contact Information
Molly Maxstadt
AG EDbassador Student Coordinator
234 Bevier Hall
905 S. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL. 61801
Email: maxstad1@illinois.edu
James C. Anderson II
AG EDbassador Program Director
237 Bevier Hall
905 S. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL. 61801
Phone: (217) 244-0285
Fax: (217) 244-7877
Email: jcandrs1@illinois.edu
*This program is a special project funded by the Illinois State Board of Education through the Grow Ag Science Teachers (GAST) Grant.
