Undergraduate college students pursuing agricultural communications careers should apply now for up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Agricultural Communicators Network.
Three scholarships will be awarded in 2026 to members of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) who have demonstrated commitment to their education and career goals.
Three finalists will be selected to participate in an in-person interview for the top scholarship: The Dr. James Evans Scholarship, which is offered in the amount of $3,000. Two runner-ups will receive the Past Presidents’ Scholarship of $2,000. The Dr. James Evans Scholarship is made possible through an endowment from ACN member Lyle Orwig, and the Past President’s scholarships are made possible through a grant from the ACN Professional Improvement Foundation.
The interview will take place during the Agricultural Media Summit, the largest annual conference of agricultural communicators in the U.S. The three finalists will each receive travel stipends of up to $1,000 to attend the Summit, which provides opportunities for networking and professional development through workshops and speakers. This year’s Summit will be held July 19-21 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Applicants must be current members of ACT and enrolled as undergraduate students at a university or college during the time of their application. Students who previously received the Past Presidents’ Scholarship may apply again for the chance to earn the Dr. James Evans Scholarship. Previous Dr. James Evans Scholarship winners may not apply again.
Recipients will be selected based on the following:
- Ag communications internships and career-related experiences (25%)
- Writing skills, demonstrated through a sample (25%)
- Leadership activities (15%)
- Academic achievements (13%)
- Reference recommendation (12%)
- General passion/fit for ag communications (5%)
- General neatness and completion of application (5%)
The 2026 ACN Scholarship Application Form and 2026 ACN Scholarship Reference Form are available online at www.agcommnetwork.com/scholarships.
Students who do not have active ACT chapters at their colleges or universities may join the National ACT at any time by emailing their interest to nact.treasurer@gmail.com and nact.president@gmail.com and paying the $25 membership dues.
Applications are due on or before Wednesday, April 15.
Those with questions may contact Courtney Girgis, cllgirgis@gmail.com, or Chelsea Dinterman, chelsea.dinterman@agriculture.com, ACN Future Ag Communicators Committee chairs.
MORE ABOUT:
ACN/ACT Scholarship
Established by Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) in 1993 and adopted by the Ag Communicators Network in 2004, ACN scholarships are awarded to outstanding members of ACT for their achievements in leadership, career-related experiences, academics and service.
Dr. James Evans Scholarship
The top ACN/ACT scholarship given each year is the Dr. James Evans Scholarship. Dr. Evans has had a tremendous impact on the establishment and growth of agricultural communications programs and serves as a mentor for hundreds of former and present students. Anyone who meets and visits with Jim comes away with renewed enthusiasm for agricultural communications and a great appreciation for everything he has done for the profession. The recipient is recognized for “excellence in academics and leadership, and for exemplifying the dedication and commitment of the outstanding individual for whom this award is named.”
Ag Communicators Network
The Ag Communicators Network is the premier professional organization for communicators across the spectrum of agricultural media–from editors, writers and photojournalists to designers and public relations professionals. Learn more at www.agcommnetwork.com.
Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow
Our vision is to be the leading collegiate organization in developing and strengthening agricultural communications students through professional growth opportunities and educational programs. We aim to inspire a future where innovative storytelling and strategic communications drive the growth and sustainability of the agricultural industry. The Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) empowers collegiate students to excel in agricultural communications by providing professional development, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities. We connect academia, industry, and the public to prepare the next class of agricultural communicators. Learn more at www.nactnow.org.
