When Ag instructor Rebecca Atkinson took over the reins of the Sheridan College Ag Club three years ago, she knew she would be helping students compete in the yearly national PAS (Professional Agricultural Student) competition. What she didn’t know then was that three years later, she would bring the national competition to Sheridan College with the aid of a Sheridan College Foundation grant.
Every year, the PAS organization puts on a one-of-a-kind national collegiate-level competition-style learning model giving students the practical and hands-on development essential for career success. PAS is recognized as an integral part of career and technical education by the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations.
After attending the PAS competitions, which in the past have been held primarily in the Midwest, Atkinson realized that Sheridan College would be an ideal place to host nationals. She applied for and was awarded a grant from the Sheridan College Foundation to help fund the event. With approximately 600 students coming from two and four-year programs throughout the United States, the benefits to Sheridan College, its Ag program and the community are enormous.
Atkinson said, “PAS is calling this their ‘destination’ nationals. It will be very different from any other location where it has been held in the past. Not only do we have this beautiful, state-of-the-art campus, but it is situated in the great city of Sheridan at the base of the Bighorn Mountains. We are excited to be able to showcase our incredible college and community to a national audience!”
PAS Nationals will be held at Sheridan College March 17-20, 2025.