News Release

September 3, 2021 – A new program to connect students, science and mentorship is announced by the American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America, and the Soil Science Society of America (the Societies). Called the “Encompass Scholars Program,” it will serve under-represented STEM students.

“Bayer is excited to partner with the Societies to engage with and develop the next generation of scientists through the Encompass Scholars program,” says Brian Olson, PhD, Bayer Crop Science. “Agronomic innovation is enhanced when people with different viewpoints and backgrounds work together to formulate a solution which is why we see programs like this as an important step in cultivating talent to be part of this process.”

“This unique pilot program between the Societies and industry is an opportunity for students, particularly those in under-represented groups, to benefit from an in-depth experience to be prepared to enter the workforce and make immediate impacts,” says Luther Smith, interim CEO for the Societies.

The program is sponsored by a grant from Bayer Crop Science.

This new program builds off an initiative between the Societies and Bayer in 2020. Called the “Bayer Diversity Scholars Initiative,” over 200 students participated in the 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting. They also participated in virtual online mentoring sessions.

The goal is to create a robust experience that connects students, science, and mentorship – both at the 2021 Annual Meeting and beyond. There are two programs within the Encompass Scholars program.

1. The Fellowship provides two immersive in-person experiences with additional virtual events.

• Fellows will attend and present their research at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2021 Annual Meeting (November 7-10, 2021)
• Attend Graduate Student Leadership Conference
• Participate in the annual Congressional Visits Day, held in Washington, D.C.
• Connect with a year-long mentor
• Participate in quarterly Virtual Professional Development workshops (1-2 hours) – focused on soft skills, leadership, and diversity-equity-inclusion workshops

2. The Scholars program is a year-long program is unique and will provide up to 100 undergraduate and graduate students with the following:

• Series of 1-1.5-hour sessions via Zoom (4-6x over the course of the next 12 months), focusing on soft skills, leadership, and DEI training
• Scholars will be provided an opportunity to connect with industry representatives (corporate members) to discuss career opportunities
• Access to the entire ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual meeting recorded sessions after January 1, 2022
• A one-year membership in ASA, CSSA, SSSA (current members will receive an additional year of membership)

Preference will be given to candidates from under-served groups. To apply, complete the form below and answer the application questions. Fellow nominations are due September 22, 2021, and applicants must have a submitted abstract for the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting. Scholar nominations are due October 15, 2021, and is open to all undergrad and grad students. Apply at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJQGKTF

About Bayer: Bayer is a responsible, global team working to shape agriculture through breakthrough innovation for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and our planet. They harness cutting-edge agricultural and environmental innovations to deliver on our collective purpose: Science For A Better Life. They strive to deliver innovative solutions that help maximize farm yields, secure harvests from devastating disease and pests, and keep our living spaces and environment healthy and beautiful.  And, while they don’t have all the answers, our passion for discovery, collaboration and curiosity mean we will never stop striving to find them.