The Dickinson Scholars Program provides an opportunity for College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors to become acquainted with the Kansas City agribusiness community.
2020 Scholars
About the Program
Participants participate in networking dinners with industry professionals and visit regional agribusinesses to learn more about internship and full-time career opportunities available to them.
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 Details
- Open to all CAFNR undergrads with a minimum GPA of 2.5, it offers students the opportunity to get to know the KC agribusiness community and connect with professionals.
- Participating employers in 2022 include Farm Journal, Livestock Marketing Association, Merck Animal Health and other agribusinesses in the Kansas City area.
Quotes from Past Program Participants
The biggest lessons I am walking away with include the importance of networking, gaining experience, grasping opportunity, and being open to growth. In the end, this trip was super fun, I really enjoyed the introduction to Kansas City’s business community and the opportunities to play tourist. The lessons of networking, gaining experience, grasping opportunity, and being open to growth were strongly driven home! A huge thank you to the Mizzou Alumni Association, The Kansas City Agricultural community, and the Dickinson’s Scholars Program for this opportunity! —Brittany Cruzan
I had the opportunity to participate in the Dickinson Scholars Program through CAFNR. Throughout our three days in Kansas City we toured Dairy Farmers of America, Lansing Trade Group, the Livestock Marketing Association, Archer Daniels Midland, and John Deere. Every visit provided extensive insights into the company and career opportunities. We were able to connect with professionals in each company and increase our networks. Additionally, we were able to work on our soft skills and interact with peers in the same field of study. Through multiple different elements, the Dickinson Scholars Program provided an excellent opportunity to develop myself both professionally and personally. A hidden gem of the trip was the ability to spend time in the evenings talking with other students and forging deeper relationships to take back to Mizzou. The Dickinson Scholars Program is an invaluable opportunity for students interested in increasing their network, developing themselves professionally, and creating lifelong friendships in the process. —Maria Kuhns
The Dickinson Scholars was a great opportunity to network and see the business in Kansas City. Growing up in a small town I never got to experience big company life and getting a taste of it was very cool and informational for me. We got to meet one of the VPs of the company. That’s not something you are going to get at a career fair. I also like to meet new people my age as much as I can and it’s even better when they have the same interests as me. I am very thankful for this program and have benefited from it and have gained a lot of knowledge. —Brock Winslow