Battleground to Breaking Ground Taking Applications for Cohort 15

By Paul Schattenberg

Applications are being accepted through Dec. 8 for Cohort 15 of the BattleGround to Breaking Ground program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.The BattleGround to Breaking Ground project is a four-phase educational program available to veterans, active-duty military and their families, as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.

“This project provides online education, hands-on training, disability support services, mentorships, peer support and veteran transition support,” said Erin Kimbrough, BattleGround to Breaking Ground program manager, Bryan-College Station. “Participants learn how to develop a business plan and access funding for an agricultural operation.”

There is a 45-person limit for each BattleGround to Breaking Ground program cohort. Ten of the spaces are offered tuition-free for veterans and active-duty military whose applications are accepted. Another five tuition-free spaces are offered for beginning farmers and ranchers.

BattleGround to Breaking Ground options and costs

There are two options for Cohort 15 participation:

The first is for veterans and active-duty military and beginning farmers and ranchers applying for the tuition-waived spots. For this option, it is necessary to complete an application for one of those spots before Dec. 8. Once those spots are filled, additional participants will be required to pay full tuition.

Successful applicants on a tuition-free basis will need to attend the “basic training” portion of the project in person. Basic training for Cohort 15 will take place from Jan. 24-26 in College Station.

The second option is for all other participants. Those paying the full tuition can skip the application process and bypass any in-person requirements but must pay their tuition by Jan. 5.

Key dates for Cohort 15 are:
— Dec. 8, tuition-waived application closes at 5 p.m.

 — — Jan. 5, paid tuition due. 
— Jan. 22, cohort coursework begins. 

Program costs and application instructions can be found at tx.ag/Cohort15App. There is a $10 application fee in addition to the tuition costs.

A recorded instructional webinar is also available on the application site.