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The fall 2024 semester marked the beginning of the Agriculture Service Technology (AST) program. A cohort of 11 students have the chance to acquire a unique skillset, engage with the ��͹��Ƶcommunity, and build connections for future career options.

“By choosing Dordt’s Associate of Science in Ag Service Technology, students can complete an associate’s degree grounded in a Christian worldview, enjoy a full-time paid internship, and become a certified John Deere Technician—all in 20 months,” says Eric Tudor ('12), director of emerging markets. “There is not another faith-based university on earth that offers such a combination.”

Instructor of Agriculture Technology Caleb Meulenberg says that while the program offers the same benefits and training of traditional technical programs, there are also many distinctions to Dordt’s program—including that all classes are taught from a Christian perspective. “Additionally, we have a partnership with AgriVision Equipment and PrairieLand Partners, which allow ��͹��Ƶstudents to always work on the latest equipment and technology in the industry.”

While the cost of college can seem daunting, the AST program sets students up for financial success both in college and in their future endeavors. Students will be able to sign a 24-month service agreement with AgriVision Equipment Group/Prairieland Partners (AVE/PLP) and will receive around “$50,000 in additional scholarships, sign-on bonuses, paid internships, and tool allowances,” says Tudor. “As a final benefit, they are guaranteed full-time employment with AVE/PLP’s dealership network upon completion of their program.”

Justice Frerk of Paullina, Iowa, is in the first cohort of students in the program. He worked as a tech at AgriVision for over two years. He had already signed up for a different John Deere program when he heard about Dordt’s AST program.

“I appreciate being able to interact with other students with different majors and getting to learn about each other’s goals and plans here at Dordt,” says Frerk. “I am just very thankful for this opportunity at ��͹��Ƶto meet many more people and receive a Christian education while pursuing the career that I enjoy.”

Frerk also enjoys the variety and practical nature of his coursework in the program.

"We get to do real life scenarios in labs that simulate what our future occupations will be like,” he says.

Tudor is thrilled to watch students like Frerk thrive at Dordt, and he looks forward to seeing how they will make a difference in the future.

“When talking to AVE/PLP, they get really excited about ��͹��Ƶstudents because they know that they’re reliable, respectful, high-character team players who will one day lead in their dealership network,” says Tudor.