Alverno College Team Chosen for National USDA Competition

Alverno College is one of 19 minority-serving education institutions selected to participate in the 2024 USDA Agricultural Export Market Challenge. This is the second consecutive year that Alverno has been chosen to participate.

The challenge is an immersive learning opportunity that will simulate the work that USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS) subject matter experts perform every day to increase export opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products. Through case studies and role playing, participating students will gain knowledge and skills in economics, diplomacy, scientific analysis, marketing and trade policy.

Teams that complete the challenge will present their solutions to FAS leadership in March. The winning team will receive the opportunity to travel to USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., to meet with USDA leaders. Rebekah Klingler, PhD, assistant professor of Biology, is mentoring a team of five students: Kimberly Saavedra Villegas, Sofia Jorgensen, Ashlee Sukenik, Shadae Ortiz and Dorian Tellis.

About Alverno College

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college for women. Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Certificate programs, digital badges, degree completion programs and graduate programs are open to all genders. A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report.