Bridging the gap

Erin Driscoll, is heading back to her home state with the support of the Morse Family and Community Public Policy Scholarship from K-State Libraries. As the 2026 recipient, the award will support her government affairs internship with the Iowa Pork Producers Association and further prepare her for a future career in agricultural communications and public policy.

The $5,500 scholarship supports a project or internship that allows a student to gain experience working in community, state or federal government, or within nonprofit organizations. It also aims to encourage the development of public policy that improves the quality of family and community life.

Driscoll, a junior in agricultural and natural resources communications with a minor in public relations, Williamsburg, Iowa, will spend the summer serving as a legislative intern for Iowa Pork Producers. Her internship will take her to Washington, D.C., where she will work in a congressional office, and later to Des Moines, Iowa, where she will help coordinate outreach and operations for the Iowa Pork tent at the Iowa State Fair.

“What I really like about this internship is that I get to do both Iowa and D.C.,” Driscoll said. “I’ve never had experience with the federal government, so I really wanted to get my foot in the door and see if I liked it.”

Her interest in agricultural policy and communications grew from her upbringing on a purebred Angus cow-calf operation and involvement in FFA and 4-H. That interest deepened as she observed her mother’s role as a state senator in Iowa.

“Being around agriculture and seeing policy work up close made me realize there’s often a gap between agricultural companies and legislators,” she said. “I want to be the bridge that helps connect those two worlds.”

Having grown up attending and participating in the Iowa State Fair, Driscoll said she is especially excited to experience the event from a new perspective behind the scenes and also create meaningful connections

“I’m most excited to see how the pork tent is run at the Iowa State Fair,” she said. “It’s such a large event, and I’ve never been behind the scenes before, so I’m really looking forward to seeing all the preparation and how everything comes together. I’m also excited to help give farmers an opportunity to be part of the state fair in a meaningful way and connect with people they wouldn’t normally see.”

She hopes the internship will help her build lasting professional relationships and gain a clearer understanding of where she wants to take her future career in agricultural communications and public policy.

“By the end of this internship, I hope to build strong connections in both Iowa and Washington, D.C.,” she said. “I want to understand what people are looking for in this industry and start building relationships that can guide my future career.”

The Morse Scholarship honors Richard L. D. and Marjorie J. Morse's lifetime commitment to improving family and community life through public service and advocacy.

For more information about the scholarship, visit the K-State Libraries website.