Official University Partnership
Backed by the University of Minnesota
AiSA is an official academic partner of the University of Minnesota Crookston — offering veterans a credentialed, 100% online pathway into sustainable agriculture.
A Partnership Built for Veterans
In 2022, Archi's Institute for Sustainable Agriculture formalized an academic partnership with the University of Minnesota Crookston — one of the top agricultural universities in the nation — to create a credential pathway designed specifically for veterans and transitioning service members.
Through this partnership, AiSA students can earn up to 16 university credits toward a Certificate in Agricultural Business from UMN Crookston. The program is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to veterans wherever they are in their transition.
AiSA courses are eligible for funding through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the DoD SkillBridge program, meaning many veterans can complete the program at little or no out-of-pocket cost.
From the Chancellor
“We have several veterans on our campus and have a partnership entitled AiSA (Archi's Institute for Sustainable Agriculture) which provides veterans with an introduction to agriculture and beginning horticulture production.”
— Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause
University of Minnesota Crookston
Chancellor's Community Letter, October 2025
2022
Official Partnership Established
16
University Credits Earned
100%
Online - No Campus Required
Why Veterans Excel in Agriculture
The University of Minnesota Crookston identifies five key strengths that make military-connected students uniquely positioned to succeed as farmers and agribusiness operators:
Veterans work toward a goal and stay focused on accomplishing their academic and professional mission.
Military training builds resilience and produces disciplined problem solvers prepared for the unexpected.
Many veterans have received formal leadership training — a direct asset in managing farm operations.
Military service exposes individuals to diverse cultures and viewpoints that enrich agricultural communities.
Veterans volunteer more than any other student demographic — a defining trait in community-rooted, sustainable agriculture.
Featured by UMN Crookston
AiSA has been featured directly by the University of Minnesota Crookston as a model partnership for veteran success.
November 2022 · Campus News
UMN Crookston and Archi's Institute offer agribusiness opportunity for veterans
The official announcement of the AiSA-UMN Crookston partnership, featuring quotes from Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause, founders Karen and Colin Archipley, and AiSA graduate Seth Anderson.
Read the Announcement →October 2025 · Chancellor's Community Letter
Chancellor Holz-Clause honors AiSA in her Veterans Day community letter
In her October 2025 letter, Chancellor Holz-Clause specifically named AiSA and celebrated the strengths that military-connected students bring to agriculture.
Read the Letter →Ready to Earn University Credit for Your Farming Journey?
Apply to AiSA's Veteran Agribusiness Training program and take the first step toward a university-credentialed future in agriculture.