Morse Scholarship recipient gains experience in agricultural policy, advocacy

Erin Driscoll, a junior in agricultural and natural resources communications, has returned from Washington, D.C., with firsthand experience in agricultural policy and a deeper understanding of how advocacy can connect policymakers, farmers and consumers. With support from the Morse Family and Community Public Policy Scholarship from K-State Libraries, the 2026 scholarship recipient spent the summer exploring both government affairs and agricultural advocacy as she prepares for a future career in agricultural communications and public policy.

The $5,500 annual scholarship supports a project or internship that allows a student to gain experience working in local, 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.

As a legislative intern in U.S. Senator Joni Ernst’s office, Driscoll researched agricultural issues, prepared background materials and gained insight into how federal policy is developed and how decisions in Washington can affect agriculture and rural communities. The opportunity reinforced the importance of having agricultural voices represented in policy conversations.

“Decisions that may seem small in Washington can have a major impact on a producer’s operation, reinforcing the importance of having people in government who understand agriculture and rural America,” Driscoll said.

Following her time in Washington, Driscoll joined the Iowa Pork Producers Association, where she recruited volunteers, coordinated the honorary griller schedule and helped manage the day-to-day operations of the Iowa Pork Tent at the Iowa State Fair.

The State Fair gave Driscoll a different perspective on agricultural advocacy, allowing her to connect directly with consumers and see how advocacy can happen outside of formal policy conversations.

“Sometimes it is simply creating a positive interaction between a consumer and the pork industry,” Driscoll said. “The Pork Tent gave me a better appreciation for the importance of meeting people where they are and making agriculture approachable.”

The summer showed Driscoll how her interests in agriculture, communications and policy can come together in a career. It confirmed her interest in agricultural policy and taught her more about the different ways she can advocate for agriculture and rural communities. With support from the Morse Scholarship, she gained professional experience, built connections and developed skills she will bring back to K-State and use as she prepares for her career.

The Morse Family and Community Public Policy 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.