Seven University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences students have embarked on the opportunity of a lifetime: serving as Congressional Agricultural Fellows in Washington, D.C.

The offices of Georgia Sens. David Perdue and Johnny Isakson and Reps. Sanford Bishop, Doug Collins, Buddy Carter, Rick Allen and Austin Scott are hosting the students during their 12-week fellowship in the nation’s capital.

The students prepare briefs, attend committee hearings, and conduct food- and agriculture-related research as part of the fellowship. In addition, they have the option of earning credit hours toward graduation.

“The 2018 Ag Fellows will join the longest-running UGA student internship program in Washington, D.C.,” said Josef Broder, CAES associate dean for academic affairs and fellowship program coordinator. “Launched in 1997, the Ag Fellows program has placed over 100 students with our congressional offices in Washington, D.C. The Ag Fellows program continues to be a premier experiential learning opportunity for students in our college. The program has been instrumental in shaping the careers and leadership aspirations of the Ag Fellows.”

The students representing UGA as 2018 Congressional Agricultural Fellows:

• William Davison, a junior from Augusta, Georgia, studying agribusiness, works in Rep. Allen’s office.

• Phyllicia Thomas, a junior from Lithonia, Georgia, studying environmental economics and management, works in Rep. Bishop’s office.

• Madeline Rentz, a junior from Baxley, Georgia, studying agricultural communication, works in Rep. Carter’s office.

• Emma Johnston, a senior from Griffin, Georgia, studying food science, works in Rep. Collins’ office.

• Johnson Anna Collins, a junior from Pickens, Georgia, studying agribusiness, works in Sen. Isakson’s office.

• Mason Goolsby, a senior from Stockbridge, Georgia, studying agribusiness, works in Sen. Perdue’s office.

• William Hicks, a junior from Macon, Georgia, studying agribusiness, works in Rep. Scott’s office.

The Congressional Agricultural Fellowship is part of the CAES Deans’ Promise program. The Deans’ Promise program, a collection of enrichment opportunities ranging from internships to study abroad programs, encourages CAES students to take advantage of unique, out-of-the-classroom experiences during their time in college.