BRIDGEWATER, N.J. - August 5, 2009 - Alpharma Animal Health will launch its inaugural student essay contest in select locations across the United States, the company announced today at Ag Media Summit in Fort Worth, TX.
The essay contest is the latest initiative in Alpharma's Reach Teach Learn (RTL) educational stewardship program. RTL also features an ag video contest for college and university students.
"We are excited to add another plank to our Reach Teach Learn platform," says Jeff Mellinger, Global Leader, Sales & Marketing for Alpharma. "Supporting and promoting education makes communities stronger and fosters an environment that provides opportunities for our customers, employees and business in general to be more successful. Our essay contest is simply another step in that direction."
The contest is a partnership between Alpharma, the Agriculture In The Classroom program and the American Farm Bureau.
Agriculture In The Classroom is a grassroots program developed by the United States Department of Agriculture. It is a national program that strives to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society.
The American Farm Bureau is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization with a mission to act as the unified national voice of agriculture, working through its grassroots organization to enhance and strengthen the lives of rural Americans and build strong, prosperous agricultural communities.
"The hard work of our partners at Agriculture in the Classroom and the American Farm Bureau is key to getting this initiative up and running," Mellinger said. "On behalf of Alpharma, our employees, customers and the thousands of students who will benefit from the essay contest this fall, thank you."
High school students in selected states will participate in the inaugural essay contest. The essay contest will allow students to share their views and opinions about agriculture based upon a lesson plan, a select book and an essay topic. Students will be given a list of subject matter to follow within the essay, along with rules and regulations.
Alpharma will be awarding the students, teachers and schools with cash prizes. Student awards include 1st, $500; 2nd, $250 and 3rd, $100. Additionally, schools that are represented by the top three finishers will receive agriculture educational grants. The contest winner's school will receive a $1000 grant, while the schools that produced the second and third place finishers will receive $500 and $250 respectively. The student with the top essay from each school will also receive an award certificate. The teacher of the contest winner will receive a $2,000 grant/scholarship to attend the Ag in the Classroom annual conference.
"This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in learning more about agriculture to enroll in these courses," said Mellinger. "We look forward to hearing about the lesson plans and reading the essays."
The contest begins Fall 2009 and will run through December. For more contest information, rules and topics please visit the contest Web site at www.reachteachlearn.com.