Who can apply:
Any CAP from the CAP classes of ’24 or ’25.
Why apply:
CAP Year #2 is a fantastic way to gain leadership and coaching skills while expanding your network with CAP grads and industry peers.
The program begins with Ignite to Transform, an 8-week online leadership and coaching training program facilitated by People Spark Consulting with online modules, weekly assignments, personalized feedback, and live group coaching. This is followed by Fan the Flame, eight months of live workshops and quarterly accountability sessions to reinforce skills, explore new areas, and develop lasting habits.
Throughout the program, in-person events allow CAP Year #2 participants to network with fellow CAPs at events such as the CAP Year #2 Late Summer Retreat, CEC 2025, and NGFA’s 130th Annual Convention.
Accepted CAPs are expected to participate fully in the CAP Year #2 Program. This includes the following virtual and in-person events:
May 2025: Welcome and People Spark leadership program kick off, Insights Discovery assessment | Virtual, synchronous
June – July 2025: Weekly People Spark leadership training group curriculum calls | Virtual, synchronous and asynchronous
August – March 2025: Monthly People Spark leadership training group coaching calls | Virtual, synchronous
August – March 2025: Quarterly People Spark action plan accountability check-in calls | Virtual, synchronous
August, TBD 2025: CAP Year #2 Late Summer Retreat, TBD | In-person
December 7-9, 2025: CEC 2025, Indianapolis, IN | In-person
March 22-24, 2026: Program ends at 130th Annual Convention, Nashville, TN | In-person
Program cost: $4,039
People Spark leadership program tuition: $2,500
Payable at beginning of program
CAP Year #2 Late Summer Retreat: $0
Registration courtesy of the National Grain and Feed Foundation
CEC 2025 registration fee: *$661.50
Payable once event registration opens
130th Annual Convention registration fee: *$877.50
Payable once event registration opens
*CAPs receive a 10% discount on registration to CEC and NGFA’s convention during their CAP year(s). Rate shown represents early bird registration plus discount. CAPs responsible for all travel costs.
The National Grain and Feed Foundation will provide to 20 accepted applicants scholarships of $2,500 to cover the People Spark leadership program tuition. Scholarships will be awarded to the top 20 applicants as based on their application submissions. All applicants are automatically considered for a scholarship.
Application deadline: April 16, 2025
The Committee Apprentice Program (CAP) focuses on developing future leaders in NGFA and the industry and helping these future leaders build professional networks of fellow NGFA members.
CAP Year #1
CAP Year #1 targets professionals with 5–10 years’ experience, integrating them into an NGFA committee. Apprentices join meetings, calls, and emails, learning and engaging actively in discussions.
Applications for CAP Year #1 are accepted in January of each year. CAP Year #1 begins at that year’s March NGFA Annual Convention and ends at the next year’s Convention.
A highlight of the CAP Year #1 program is the CAP DC Experience at NGFA’s Summer Legislative Fly-In in Washington, D.C. This event features visits to DC agencies like STB, USDA, and CFTC. CAPs also participate in NGFA’s advocacy day on Capitol Hill, meeting legislators and promoting industry interests.
There is no cost to participate in CAP Year #1 except for costs related to event attendance. CAPs receive 10% of all registration fees.
CAP Year #2
CAP Year #2 is a continuation of the program during which participants undergo a year of structured leadership training and participate in networking events and workshops.
Applications for CAP Year #2 are accepted beginning of March of each year. CAP Year #2 begins in late April of that year and ends at the next year’s NGFA Annual Convention.
Highlights of CAP Year #2 include a leadership and coaching curriculum, facilitated by People Spark Consulting, and in-person events during which participants continue to create a strong network with fellow CAPs.
Participants in CAP Year #2 must pay for their leadership training, as well as for costs related to event attendance. CAPs receive 10% of all registration fees. The National Grain and Feed Foundation offers twenty scholarships each year for CAP Year #2 participants and funds the CAP Year #2 Late Summer Retreat for all participants.
