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NGFA's Committee Apprentice Program

CAP is designed to cultivate future leaders within NGFA and the broader industry while helping participants build strong professional networks with fellow NGFA members. This two-year program offers distinct opportunities:

  • CAP Year #1 is tailored for professionals with 5–10 years of experience, focusing on industry engagement and networking.
  • CAP Year #2 builds on that foundation, emphasizing advanced leadership development.

A key NGFA member benefit, CAP provides participants with the chance to expand their networks, sharpen their skills, and deepen their understanding of the industry—delivering value to the individual, their employer, and the association as a whole.

Learn More about NGFA’s CAP

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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 December of each year. CAP Year #1 begins at the March NGFA Annual Convention and concludes at the following 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 an optional continuation of the CAP program, and is open only to those who have completed CAP Year #1. Applications for CAP Year #2 are accepted right after Convention concludes each March and ends at the following year’s Annual Convention.

Highlights of CAP Year #2 include a leadership and coaching curriculum, facilitated by People Spark Consulting, special workshops at NGFA’s CEC and Annual Convention, and the Summer Networking Retreat in Chicago.

CAP Year #2 participants cover the cost of leadership training and any event-related expenses. They receive a 10% discount on registration fees. Each year, the National Grain and Feed Foundation awards 20 scholarships to Year #2 participants and funds the Summer Networking Retreat (excluding travel costs) for all participants.
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Past CAP Classes:

2025 – 2026 CAP Roster

2022-2023 CAP Roster

2020 – 2022 CAP Roster

2019 – 2020 CAP Roster

2018 – 2019 CAP Roster

2017 – 2018 CAP Roster

2016 – 2017 CAP Roster

2015 – 2016 CAP Roster

2014 – 2015 CAP Roster

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