Congratulations to the 2025-2026 CAP Year #1 class!
Applications for CAP Year #2 will be accepted beginning March 24, 2024. Stay tuned for details!
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 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 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 #1 are accepted in April of each year. CAP Year #1 begins in May of that year and ends at the next year’s NGFA Annual Convention.
Highlights of CAP Year #2 are the quarterly networking events plus the monthly coaching calls 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 between twenty and twenty-five scholarships each year for CAP Year #2 participants.
Each program can accept up to 40 participants annually. To apply, candidates must complete the appropriate application form and provide a resume along with a recommendation letter from their current supervisor. CAP Year #1 applicants should confirm they have the correct number of years’ experience. CAP Year #2 applicants need to have completed CAP Year #1 within the last two years. CAPs are accepted to attend all program events throughout the year.