Partner with us to align student preparation with your organization’s workforce needs.

We are committed to cultivating the competencies our students need to be job-ready after graduation. This extends beyond technical skills to include leadership, problem-solving, communication, and other essential soft skills. This is what the bridge experience is designed to do.

Mario Ortez, Assistant Professor of Agribusiness and Bridge Experience Program Director

Let's partner together.

  • 4 students presenting with the words Industry analysis regional focus on the screen

  • three people standing in front of a screen that reads reclaiming waste, redefining value

  • three students presenting with the words Industry anaylsis and addressable market

  • 4 students presenting with target customers on a screen in the background

  • People standing in front of a sign that reads Buena Vista

Benefits for your organization

  • Gain insights from student analysis
  • Pipeline to our student talent 
  • Increase your organization’s visibility

The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics’ Bridge Experience program opens doors for students to engage directly with industry leaders, government agencies, and community partners.

Through hands-on projects and real-world collaborations, students develop practical skills. At the same time, they deliver valuable insights and analysis to organizations tackling pressing agricultural and economic challenges.

How students can help drive real impact

Economic analysis

Financial analysis

Market analysis

Data insights

Policy analysis

Business evaluation

Forecasting

Entrepreneurship strategy

Mario Ortez and Melissa Vidmar head shots

Mario Ortez
Assistant Professor of Agribusiness and Bridge Experience Program Director

Melissa Vidmar
Marketing, Communications, and Partnerships Manager

Contact us >>
Submit a project idea >>

PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION

Partnerships through our experiential learning program increase your organization’s visibility via our website, social platforms, and student success stories while also enriching our students’ educational experiences.

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Recent successes:

Applied Economic and Financial Analysis for Virginia’s Cattle Industry
  • Students: Agri-Food Finance Fellows, The Kohl Centre
  • Partners: Virginia Cattle Industry Board, Virginia Cattlemen's Association, and Virginia Verified Beef
Investment strategy for specialty sub-industries relevant to Lead Food Capital
  • Students: AAEC 4414 - Applied Economic Problem-Solving Undergraduates
  • Partner: Lead Food Capital

Other projects >>