Mentor Program
Application for PDP Mentor Program
Wisconsin agriculture is powered by a $45.6 billion dairy industry that's full of opportunities for the next generation. By participating in the Professional Dairy Producers Mentor Program, you can grow your network, share ideas and get hands-on experience that will help you build your own future in dairy.
The goals of the PDP Mentor Program are to increase opportunities for students to experience modern dairy production systems and to stimulate career planning with production agriculture as an option. We've developed the PDP Mentor Program for students of four-year universities, technical schools and Short Course Students.
Here are the three easy steps to have a successful Mentor Program experience:
1. Apply
Complete and submit the PDP Mentor Program student application, resume and Disclaimer of Liability by November 13, 2023. PDP will contact you with your match by November 20, 2023. You can apply by filling out the form below. Also, mark your calendar to attend the PDP Business Conference March 13-14, 2024. This conference is an additional requirement of the program.
2. Experience
Contact your mentor and set up a date. Try to set up an entire day so you can get a full grasp of what your mentor does. It is important to ask questions and get to know each other, because that is what this day is all about! Also, don't be afraid to ask if you could shadow for more than one day. Remember to bring the completion form to the job shadow. Have your shadow completed, as well as your signed completion form, one-page summary and photo of you with your mentor turned in by January 30, 2023.
3. Network
After the requirements are met and paperwork is finished and submitted, you will receive a complimentary registration to the PDP Business Conference at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells taking place on March 13 and 14, 2024, including a one-night hotel stay for students. During the conference, students will also attend the mentor program breakfast, to catch up with your mentor, network with dairy industry experts and meet new students from around the state!
Application questions can be directed to Emily Vander Grinten at evandergrinten@pdpw.org.