Washington Wheat Ambassador Leadership Program 
This program is sponsored by the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) and is available to children of WAWG members living in Washington state. The program is designed to provide young adults with an excellent leadership and scholarship opportunity. It is also designed to increase the public’s understanding of the wheat industry and how farming affects their daily life as consumers.

Two candidates will be selected as Washington Wheat Ambassadors. A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to the top Ambassador, and a scholarship of $4,500 will be awarded to one alternate Ambassador. Both Ambassadors will be expected to participate in various activities and opportunities.

Term
Washington Wheat Ambassadors are expected to make a 12 month commitment starting December 2024 and ending December 2025. There are some required activities scheduled throughout the year, most are in the winter months. Travel and meals will be compensated.

In addition to the required events, Ambassadors are highly encouraged to take part in at least two other leadership opportunities. These events include, but are not limited to: Ag Expo, Kennewick and/or Spokane Farm Fairs, and a hometown school presentation. We also invite the Ambassadors to take part in WAWG & WWF Board Meetings at the conclusion of the term.

Candidate Eligibility Requirements
• Must be the child of a current WAWG member living in Washington state
• Must be a high school senior with a cumulative 3.3 GPA or higher and who plans to attend a two or four year college immediately after high school
• Must be available to attend various activities throughout term
• Must have a genuine desire to promote agriculture and to help others better understand the value and importance of the industry

General Ambassador Responsibilities
• Promote and represent the wheat industry at local, regional and state venues
• Network with and present to outside groups
• Actively participate in various face to face meetings and events

Required Event 
WAWG annual dinner Coeur d’Alene, Idaho November 20, 2024
Advocacy trip Olympia, Wash. January 2025

Benefits
• Scholarship opportunity
• Opportunity to further develop confidence in leadership, communication and organizational skills
• Increased knowledge of the Washington wheat and grain industry

Application Process
The Washington Wheat Ambassador Program coordinates the selection of candidates to ensure that a similar, fair and equitable process is followed. Applications must be sent to the WAWG office at 109 E. First Ave., Ritzville, WA 99169 postmarked no later than October 15, 2024.

Selection, State Banquet and Presentation Process
An anonymous selection committee will judge all applications. The top two candidates will be notified of their selection as Washington Wheat Ambassadors by November 5, 2024.
The Ambassadors will then be required to attend the Washington Association of Wheat Growers’ annual state dinner and awards banquet held on November 20, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The Ambassadors and their parents will be welcomed by their Ambassador Advisor and other Ambassador Program personnel, as well as wheat industry leaders.
Each Ambassador will be required to give up to a four minute speech on an agriculture-related topic of their choice at the banquet. At the conclusion of the banquet, the scholarships will be announced.

Click Here for the 2024-25 Application

Washington’s 2024-25 Wheat Ambassadors Zach Klein and Karly Wigen

Zach Klein of Ritzville

Klein is the son of Jake and Alisha Klein. He is a student at Lind-Ritzville High School where he maintains nearly a 4.0 GPA while playing on three sport teams. He is involved in FFA and FBLA, as well as being active in his church. He has competed in a variety of FFA and FBLA contests. In addition to his school and community involvement, Klein also enjoys hunting. He plans on attending either the University of Idaho or Oklahoma State University, majoring in agribusiness and farm/ranch management. He will return to the family farm following college graduation.

 

 

Karly Wigen of Colfax

Wigen is the daughter of Pete and Brandy Wigen. She is a student at Colfax High School where she maintains a 4.0 GPA. She has been very involved in FFA, competing in several contests at both the local and state level, as well as currently serving as her chapter’s vice president. Last year, she served as her district’s sentinel. She plays volleyball and softball and is a member of the basketball cheer squad. She is the 2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Colfax. Wigen plans to study behavioral sciences in college to pursue a career as an occupational therapist.