In 2005, the Agriculture Weekend Experience (AWE) program was proposed to Iowa State University Agricultural Endowment as an opportunity for students majoring in agriculture to interact with members in the agricultural community. The students would be hosted by members of the farming community on Iowa farms.
The benefit for students would be increased awareness of production agriculture and farming in Iowa. Furthermore, students would have the opportunity to apply skills and concepts gained in class to real-world situations. Lastly, the program would offer networking between students and farmers as true agricultural resources.
Participation from the agricultural community would increase public awareness by teaching the application of Iowa agriculture from a producer's perspective. In addition - the program would increase awareness of issues students face during their college career, which would provide a deeper understanding about the technical fields in agricultural study.
Since 2005, about 80 students have participated in AWE. Feedback has been incredible, with students marveling over the connection between classroom knowledge and the application to agriculture. Host families enjoy spending time with students and answering the diverse questions they have about the work and life of agriculture.