Seed Industry Scholars

soybean and cover crops
Students in soybean field

This program will support students who are motivated to explore and prepare for careers in the seed industry.

  • Applications are due March 6, 2026.
  • Application Period: Open in Spring 2026 (deadline in March) before fall registration
  • A scholarship of $1500 will be awarded to 5 students. The scholarship funds will be distributed across 2 or 3 semesters, depending on your timeline.

Requirements:

  • You will be a part of the Seed Industry Scholars community for four semesters and at least one summer.
  • You should have Sophomore standing or above for the first semester you start the program
  • You will complete two courses, PLAS 310 The Science of Variety Selection (3 cr) offered in spring semesters and PLAS 380 Seed Industry Enterprises (3 cr) offered in fall semesters, and complete one of your internship credits with a seed industry career focus.
  • You will engage with the Seed Industry Scholars community during your internship and through the PLAS 395 internship course.
  • You will prepare and deliver a professional poster or presentation at the annual Nebraska Crop Improvement Association meeting in January.
Students in corn field

Application Materials

  1. Tell us your story. Write a cover letter which shares the following for the scholarship committee to review.
    1. Describe your interest in the seed industry and how this program aligns with your academic and career goals.
    2. Share a meaningful experience—academic, career, or personal—that has shaped your perspective on agriculture and the seed industry.
    3. What strengths or perspectives would you contribute to a cohort of students working closely with seed professionals, faculty, and industry leaders?
  2. Include in the application your current Resume and Transcripts
  3. Share with us the timeline you anticipate for your completion of the program requirements.
oats

Selection Criteria

  1. Communicate clear and personal interest in and excitement about the potential for a career in the seed industry. This will be evaluated entirely from the students' writing.
  2. GPA > 2.5
  3. Completed courses show readiness for application of your academic learning to the problem-solving work that is needed in the seed industry. (i.e. completed courses such as PLAS 131 Plant Science and/or PLAS 215 Genetics)

 

Proposed Program Timeline for First Cohort Offering

Proposed Program Timeline for First Cohort Offering