MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, US — With students arriving at companies seeking hands-on work experience during summer internships, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is launching GEAPS NextGen Path, a program designed to enhance onboarding, develop industry knowledge and build awareness of career opportunities. 

GEAPS NextGen Path is a companion program between GEAPS and participating grain facilities or organizations to facilitate learning for students and trainees. Each intern will receive a complimentary GEAPS student membership. The program is then followed step-by-step or tailored to align with a company’s existing internship structure. 

“NextGen Path is more than just an internship program; it’s a pipeline for the next generation of skilled professionals in our industry,” said Betsy Polis, director of special projects and events for GEAPS. “We’re excited to give students a front-row seat to the innovation, impact, and growth that a career in grain operations can offer.”  

As interns work through the materials, they are introduced to fundamental grain operations concepts, encouraged to explore specialized topics, and connected with long-term resources. The NextGen Path internship is built around four core components:

• Welcome to the Grain Industry: Interns kickstart the onboarding process by completing GEAPS’ one-hour online course, Welcome to the Grain Industry. This new course covers industry basics, roles, safety and sets the stage for further GEAPS educational resources. 
• Industry Terminology: The GEAPS Glossary is an online, searchable tool designed to familiarize new employees with the essential terminology and acronyms used in the grain industry. For interns new to the field, this activity gets them up-to-speed with over 500 must-know industry terms. 
• Video Library Reflection: The GEAPS Video Library is a tool for all members. This component dives deeply into advanced learning with over 100 educational videos to choose from. In the program, interns select two videos of interest and reflect upon relevant industry topics.   
• Career Exploration Podcast: The final component connects interns with real voices from the industry through tuning in to the Whole Grain Podcast. Interns select the episode(s) that best fit their interests and complete a career exploration activity.  

GEAPS is inviting companies with existing internship programs to be part of this initiative. GEAPS said the flexible model allows the program to commence at any time of the year. The self-paced, digital, and customizable format can be molded to fit any existing internship model at no cost for participating companies. 

“The path is green with opportunity in bringing awareness, information, and education to the next generation,” said John Caupert, executive director of GEAPS. “GEAPS NextGen Path is exactly what this industry needs to develop future leaders while giving interns valuable exposure to meaningful career opportunities.”