Jersey Youth Academy

The seventh Jersey Youth Academy will be held in July 2021. The application period for the upcoming class will open on September 1, 2020. Read more about the program and how to apply below.

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:

• Encourage, guide and train youth from Jersey farm families towards productive careers in the dairy industry;
• Identify and support talented youth from outside the Jersey community who are motivated to pursue a career in this industry;
• Strengthen the connection of these young people to the American Jersey Cattle Association and demonstrate the fundamental importance of its breed improvement, marketing and promotional programs;
• Expand knowledge and understanding of the range of professional careers associated with the dairy industry and the academic preparation necessary to achieve success in those careers;
• Through a strong fundraising effort, develop a high-quality program that will attract student participation and also provide substantial financial support based on need, interest and ability, and
• Contribute to the general development of competence, confidence, positive social connections, and character by Academy participants.

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:

• First, to learn why and how the Jersey breed has grown and prospered, and what the future holds for the Jersey business;
• Second, to meet leaders from the Jersey community and from across the support industry, to gain their unique insights about the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow; and
• Third, to learn about the range of career opportunities that involve the Jersey breed and Jersey products, and begin the journey that will take them to success working in the Jersey dairy business.

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 each 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 represent broad Jersey breeder and industry support. Administrative services are provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association.

The seventh Academy class will be held in 2021 in mid-July in Columbus, Ohio. Applications will be accepted through September 1 to December 1, 2020. A maximum of 36 qualified youth will be selected.