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NCI Summer Ag Academy

June 23-27, 2025, Fargo, ND

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Join us for our 3nd Summer Ag Academy

Hosted by the Northern Crops Institute

Who

The Northern Crops Institute, in collaboration with industry partners, will host 60 high school students for the academy.  The experience is open to all high school students, grades 10-12 (as of 24-25 school year), regardless of past experience in agriculture.

What

The NCI Summer Ag Academy is a free, immersive career exploration experience in food science, animal science, and international trade.  Participants will be exposed to world-class professionals, facilities, and activities.

When

The academy will run from June 23-27, 2025.

Where

The academy will be held at NCI on the campus of North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.

Why

The ag industry is in need of strong, new professionals. Career opportunities in agriculture will only grow in the coming years. Jobs in food science, animal science, and international trade offer meaningful work and a chance to feed the world. High school students should experience what the industry has to offer.

How

Participants will be responsible for transportation to Fargo. All transportation, housing, and meals will be provided once they arrive. Transportation to and from airport, train, and bus depots can be arranged. Students will stay in an NDSU residence hall. Participants will arrive the afternoon of Monday, June 23, and be released at approximately noon on Friday, June 27.

Registration is now open. We encourage you to enroll early as space is limited. Deadline for selection and track priority is March 31, 2025.

Earn Free College Credit!

The Summer Ag Academy was designed to allow participants to earn two college credits.  These credits are optional and are electives that can be used in NDSU programs or transferred for use at other institutions.  The cost of these credits is covered by our sponsors!

Choose your track now!

The 2025 Summer Ag Academy Registration Will Open February 15, 2025.
Food Science Track – FULL

Ever wonder how the food products you eat are developed and end up on the grocery store shelves? This track will provide you hands-on experience with food product development in our NCI labs. Come live the life of a food scientist! Learn about the creative solutions that will be needed to feed the world, and the part you can play in that future.

Animal Science Track — FULL

Animal agriculture plays a significant role in the region’s economy. What do livestock eat? In addition to growing food for humans, farmers in our region grow food for livestock too! In fact, innovations in feeding technology have allowed agriculturists to efficiently feed by-products of ethanol and food production to animals to reduce waste. This pathway will give you hands-on opportunities in the livestock industry, with specific attention given to the processes and ingredients used to feed the livestock of today and tomorrow.

International Trade Track – FULL

Soybeans from the Dakotas in China? Montana wheat in Italy? Minnesota corn in the Philippines? You bet! This track dives into the intriguing world of international trade. Learn how agricultural commodities travel to global destinations. Examine how decisions and events in other parts of the world affect U.S. farmers and our economy. International trade and policy provides a complex game to play!

2023 SUMMER AG ACADEMY RECAP

FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THE 2023 ACADEMY, ENJOY A QUICK RECAP!