Jersey Youth Academy
The sixth Jersey Youth Academy will be held in July of 2019. Application period will be from September 1, 2018 through December 1, 2018.
The mission of the Jersey Youth Academy is to attract, educate and retain talented young people for careers in the Jersey dairy business. It will be achieved through cooperative efforts of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., Jersey owners everywhere, and allied industry.
Jersey Youth Academy provides a unique educational experience that motivates youth of high school and college age to prepare for and succeed in their adult careers in some aspect of the dairy industry, but specifically working with Jersey cattle and/or Jersey products.
As authorized by the Board of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association in June of 2008, Jersey Youth Academy seeks to:
The aim of the Academy is to develop the human resources that will be required to sustain and develop Jersey dairy businesses in the United States. This project is envisioned as a cooperative effort among all dairy industry stakeholders. Without exception, these stakeholders need qualified, interested young people for the continuation and success of their businesses.
Program Objectives
The program is designed around three broad objectives for participants:
The program is conducted every two years, with participants chosen from a national pool of applicants. Selection is based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in experiences, accomplishments and goal statement of the applicants. All program costs, including round-trip transportation for participants, are paid by the Academy.
Eligibility
Applications will be accepted from Jersey youth who are currently juniors and seniors in high school or enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year vocational school, college or university; and also those under the age of 22 who have completed a high school degree or equivalent and are currently employed in dairy herd management.
Applications are accepted only from legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.
A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only one time.
Program Evaluation
Extensive evaluation of each Jersey Youth Academy was conducted before, during and after the program. Participants rated the overall quality of the program as outstanding (4.7 on 5-point scale). Participants agreed (4.9/5.0) with the statement, “I learned a lot in this program.” The consensus opinion is, “the experience turned out to be the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Financial Support
The Jersey Youth Academy is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt private educational foundation under section 501(c)(3). Contributors to this foundation are recognized on the Academy web site (http://academy.usjersey.com) and represent broad Jersey breeder and industry support. Administrative services are provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The sixth Academy class will be held in 2019. Applications will be posted on September 1, 2018 and will be accepted through December 1, 2018. A maximum of 36 qualified youth will be selected.