FOSSI scholar Anthony “AJ” Jackson is working towards a degree in Agricultural Science at Kentucky State University (KSU), and he’s already making his mark! This spring, he received KSU’s Ag Spotlight Student of the Year Award – a rarity for a first-year student.
AJ reflects on his award
"Getting recognized as Ag Spotlight Student of the Year at Kentucky State University is a huge honor and privilege. Being as young as I am and getting this award is only the beginning of what I have planned for my future in agriculture,” said AJ, who hopes to use the skills he’s developing in agriculture to feed the world while working at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
As part of the FOSSI scholarship, AJ’s corporate partner is ADM and he receives mentoring and leadership training from Jordan Watson, ADM’s Campus & Diversity Program Manager.
AJ's journey
AJ is an extremely respectful and highly driven student. Although he is only in his first year of college, he demonstrates a lot of professional maturity and leadership. It has been an absolute honor getting to know him,” shared Jordan. The pair has also discussed future internship and post-graduation opportunities to launch AJ’s agriculture career.
About his journey so far, AJ remarked, “My FOSSI experience has been nothing short of amazing with a great support team behind me, and I hope to be able to build a strong relationship with the FOSSI community.”
ADM's commitment to diversity
Jordan added, “At ADM we believe that true innovation arises from having many different perspectives and backgrounds, so in addition to cultivating inclusion and belonging within ADM’s walls, we’re committed to supporting the advancement of new generations of talented, diverse future leaders. And, we’re rooting for AJ to keep up the great work!”
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.
Source: ADM