California Ag Network

Tag: scholarships

  • CAWG Foundation Awards $39,000 in Scholarships to Children of California Vineyard Employees

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of $39,000 in college scholarships to eight outstanding students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.

    “These scholarships represent our commitment to supporting the families whose hard work is essential to the success of California’s winegrape industry,” said Craig Ledbetter of Vino Farms, chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors. “We continue to be impressed by the determination, leadership, and academic achievements of our scholarship recipients. Their accomplishments reflect a bright future for their communities and our industry.”

    The CAWG Foundation Board of Directors selects scholarship recipients based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, financial need, and a personal essay outlining each student’s educational goals and aspirations.

    Since launching the scholarship program in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $719,500 to help students

    pursue higher education. The program is funded through the generous support of CAWG members and the

    broader California wine community.

    This year, the Foundation awarded four scholarships to students attending University of California and California State University campuses, three scholarships to students enrolled at California community colleges, and one $1,000 Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship. Established by the Miller family, the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship supports Central Coast students studying Viticulture or Enology at either Allan Hancock College or California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

    Four-Year University Scholarship Recipients ($2,000)

    Alejandro Jarquin, Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa High School

    Tania Navarrete Rios, Napa, Napa High School

    Hector Rendon, San Miguel, Paso Robles High School

    Luis Ruelas Ramirez, Placerville, El Dorado High School

    Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipients ($2,000)

    Jimena Espinoza Ceja, Santa Rosa, Elsie Allen High School

    Cristal Gonzalez Abundis, Riverdale, Riverdale High School

    Giselle Torres Gonzalez, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School

    Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship Recipient ($1,000)

    Logan Rose, Lodi, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

    — Story contributed by the California Association of Winegrape Growers

  • USJersey to Offer More than $47,00 in Scholarships

    The deadline is July 1 to apply for scholarship and educational awards administrated by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

    The AJCA has more than $47,000 in scholarship money to award to Jersey youth in 2026. This funding will go toward young Jersey enthusiasts pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey cattle. Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a 2.5 minimum grade point average, on a 4.0 scale, are eligible to apply for the awards.

    The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000) will be awarded to a graduate dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production or manufacturing or dairy product marketing student.

    The Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000) will be offered for the third time. Those who are incoming or current undergraduate students in any post education institute studying a dairy related major are eligible Applicants must also be working toward a two-or four-year degree and demonstrate satisfactory academic performance. Recipients can receive the scholarship a maximum of two times but must reapply for reconsideration.

    The Lineweaver Scholarship ($5,000) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.

    The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($3,250) will be awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing.

    The William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) is offered to those who will begin their studies at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2026. Students who have completed at least one year of their studies are eligible for the V.L. Peterson Scholarship($2,500). The Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,500) will be awarded to an eligible nominee in the Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

    The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) was established from a generous donation of Bob and Pam Bignami, Orland, California, from the sale of BW Graduate-ET in 2020. Those who have graduated high school and attended Jersey Youth Academy are eligible to apply. These students must also be heading to or enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university majoring in an agricultural-based degree.

    The Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($2,000) will go to either an undergraduate or graduate student working toward a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing. Students must also demonstrate significant progress toward their intended degree and a clear intention of an agriculture career through coursework completion and a goal statement.

    The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The recipient of the AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($1,500) is determined based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($2,000) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.

    The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.

    Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of Jan. 1, 2026.

    Apply here: https://usjersey.com/wp-content/uploads/Youth/26_CowlesYouthAward.docx

    For application forms and instructions, visit the “Youth Corner” page on the USJersey website and select the scholarship option. Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 7 at the Youth Awards Ceremony held in Louisville, Ky.

    For more information, contact the AJCA by email at info@usjersey.com; or visit its web site at USJersey.com.     

    — Contributed by American Jersey Cattle Association

  • California Table Grape Growers Offer Scholarship Opportunities

    California table grape growers are once again providing scholarship opportunities to graduating high school seniors from the table grape growing regions of California. Three categories of scholarships are available again in 2026.

    Two scholarships are available to field workers and their families. The Field Worker Bridge Scholarship is a $14,500 scholarship for students who will attend two years at a community college and transfer to a four-year university in California. The Field Worker Scholarship is a $25,000 scholarship for students who will attend a four-year university in California. Eligible high school graduates or graduating seniors, or their parent/legal guardian, must have been employed as a field worker in a California table grape vineyard during the 2025 harvest or plan to be employed during the 2026 season to be eligible for the Field Worker Scholarships.

    The third scholarship is a $25,000 Agricultural Scholarship available for students interested in building a career in the California table grape industry and investing their undergraduate years of study in academic areas related to the industry. Eligible high school graduates or graduating seniors must pursue a four-year undergraduate degree from a California university in a field of study pertinent to table grapes and be residents of the Coachella or San Joaquin valleys.

    Three scholarships from each category are available. Applicants for all scholarships must plan to attend a California college or university. The deadline to apply for all scholarships is Friday, February 6, 2026.

    Since 1985, California table grape growers aided over 200 students in attending college. To hear from recent scholarship recipients, please visit: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community-outreach/scholarship-recipients/.

    For more information on the scholarship program, please visit: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community-outreach/ or contact: Scholarships@grapesfromcalifornia.com.

  • California Grape Growers Award Scholarships

    Fresno, CA – California’s table grape growers recently awarded scholarships to eight students in grape-growing regions of the state. All recipients will be attending California universities or colleges.

    Five field worker scholarships were awarded in 2018: two $3,500 two-year scholarships to community colleges, and three $20,000 four-year field worker scholarships. Three $20,000 four-year agricultural scholarships were also awarded in 2018.

    Since 1985, the California Table Grape Commission (commission) has awarded scholarships to children of table grape field workers. More than 130 students have received scholarships to attend vocational schools, community colleges, and California universities.

    Eight years ago, the commission created a new scholarship program, one designed to encourage those who want to study and work in the agriculture industry with an emphasis in the table grape industry. To date the program has helped 24 students attend four-year California universities.

    Here are the 2018 scholarship recipients:

    $3,500 Two-year Field Worker Scholarships

    Yaritzi MariscalMs. Yaritzi Mariscal is a graduate of Shafter High School. Yaritzi plans to attend Bakersfield College and pursue a career in nursing. Yaritzi is the first in her family to attend college and is an honor roll student and winner of the principal’s award.

    Ms. Luisa Perez Rodriguez is a graduate of Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano. Luisa plans to attend Bakersfield College and pursue a career in radiological technology. Luisa is a four-year honor roll student, a four-year member of the soccer team, two-year member of the softball team, and is active in both school and church clubs.

    $20,000 Four-year Field Worker Scholarships

    Rosalinda ValenzuelaMs. Rosalinda Valenzuela is a graduate of McFarland High School. Rosalinda will graduate with a 4.38 weighted GPA and will attend UC San Diego and pursue a career as a mechanical engineer. Rosalinda is the vice president of the leadership class, president of the engineering club, a member of the softball team, and captain of the school golf team.

    Marisleysis ValdezMs. Marisleysis Valdez is graduating from Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano. Marisleysis plans to attend California State University Bakersfield where she will major in finance with a career goal of becoming a financial manager in the table grape industry. Marisleysis graduates with a weighted 4.30 GPA and is a four-year honor roll student who also tutors other students.

    Aime AlarconMs. Aime Alarcon is the class valedictorian, the student body president, and a member of the water polo and swim teams at Harmony Magnet Academy in Strathmore. Aime will graduate with a weighted GPA of 4.34 and plans to attend the University of Southern California with a career goal of becoming a superintendent of schools.

    $20,000 Four-year Agricultural Scholarships

    Lindsey SwallMs. Lindsey Swall is a graduate of Mission Oak High School in Tulare. Lindsay is the class valedictorian and will graduate with a 4.2 weighted GPA. Lindsay has been involved with Future Farmers of America (FFA) in leadership roles and in competitions. Lindsay will attend Fresno State and has a career goal of becoming a horticulturalist.

    Brenden WilsonMr. Brenden Wilson is a graduate of Kingsburg High school with a weighted GPA of 3.97. Brenden is a four-year member of FFA, and a member of the school basketball and track teams. Brenden will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a career goal of applying mechanical technology to reduce physical labor in the fields.

    Leslie HerreraMs. Leslie Herrera is a graduate of Wonderful College Prep Academy in Delano. Leslie will graduate with a 4.33 weighted GPA. Leslie is a member of FFA, the senior class president, captain of the soccer team, and member of the softball team. Leslie will attend UC Davis with a career goal of becoming a human resource manager for an agricultural firm.

  • Three Agriculture Scholarships Offered by UC ANR

    Davis, Calif., (April 26, 2018) – Three scholarships are being offered to college students majoring in agriculture by the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The scholarships will be awarded for the fall 2018 semester or quarter. The deadline to apply or nominate for the scholarships is May 18, 2018.

    Knowles A. Ryerson Award In Agriculture – Amount:  $2500 – two awarded each year, one each at UC Berkeley and UC Davis

    The Knowles A. Ryerson Award in Agriculture is awarded annually to a foreign undergraduate student in a college of agriculture at UC Berkeley and UC Davis, in any curriculum, preferably after completion of the junior year. Students must be nominated by UC faculty or academic advisors. The $2,500 award is made on the basis of high scholarship, outstanding character and promise of leadership. One recipient will be selected from the Berkeley campus and one from the Davis campus.

    Howard Walton Clark Prize In Plant Breeding And Soil Building – Amount:  $5,000 – one awarded each year

    The Howard Walton Clark Prize in Plant Breeding and Soil Building is given to a senior student in a college of agriculture at UC Berkeley, UC Davis or UC Riverside who seems to show the greatest promise. Students must be a senior at some point during the 2018-19 academic year and nominated by UC faculty or academic advisors. Selection for the $5,000 scholarship is based on high scholastic achievement, talent for independent research and other characteristics, with particular reference to either plant breeding (leading to new/improved crops and new/improved varieties using appropriate tools) or soil building (leading to improving soil quality related to soil productivity and sustainability as a resource).

    Bill And Jane Fischer Vegetation Management Scholarship – Amount: $1,000 – one awarded each year

    The $1,000 Bill and Jane Fischer Vegetation Management Scholarship will be given to promising students with demonstrated interest in vegetation management (weed control) careers. Students from any accredited California university are eligible, with preference given to graduate students. The recipient will have an academic major and emphasis in one of the following areas (listed in order of preference):

    • Vegetation management in agricultural crop production;
    • Plant science with emphasis on vegetation management in horticultural crops, agronomic or vegetable crops;
    • Soils and plant nutrition with emphasis on field, vegetable crop relationships;
    • Agricultural engineering with emphasis on developing tools for vegetation management;
    • Agricultural botany with emphasis on weed biology and weed ecology;
    • Plant pathology with emphasis on integrated vegetation management;
    • Plant protection and pest management with emphasis on field, vegetable, or horticultural crop relationships; or
    • Agricultural economics with emphasis on vegetation management in field, vegetable or horticultural crops.

    For more information about the scholarships and nomination and application processes, visit http://ucanr.edu/Development_services/Awards_and_scholarships.

  • Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County – 2017 Scholarship Applications

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (March 13, 2017) – This year the Farm Bureau Foundation will award more than $110,000 in scholarships to Sonoma County students pursuing higher education at a four year college, junior college or vocational school within an agricultural related field.

    Last year, the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County Awarded scholarships to 40 Sonoma County students. All of the recipients were outstanding students excelling in academics, leadership and community service achievements.

    To qualify, students must be a graduating high school senior, Santa Rosa Junior College student, or continuing four year college students. Scholarships are only available to undergraduate students. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be pursuing education in an agricultural related field.

    Applications will be available online at www.sonomafb.org. Applications should be typed and then printed and mailed with letters of recommendation and school transcripts by the deadline. Applications are due by 5 p.m. April 7, 2017 to the Sonoma County Farm Bureau office. Please mail or hand deliver completed applications to 3589 Westwind Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403.

    Download: 2017 Foundation Scholarship Application.pdf

    Scholarship Requirements:

    • All of the scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors, Santa Rosa Junior College students or continuing four-year college students who have or will have a major in Agriculture or an Agriculture-related field.
    • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required for all scholarship applicants.
    • Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships are only available to undergraduate students.
    • An additional essay, specific major or number of registered units may be required depending on the scholarship.

    How to Apply:

    • There is one common application for all scholarships administered by the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County.
    • Applications must be typed, printed and signed.
    • A check list of the additional application materials for a complete application is included.
    • All completed applications must be received or postmarked by the
    • deadline of 5 p.m. April 7, 2017.
    • Mail or hand deliver completed application and required documents to: Sonoma County Farm Bureau, 3589 Westwind Blvd., Santa Rosa, California, 95403.
    • Process:
    • Applications will be screened to select the finalists for interviews with the Farm Bureau Foundation’s scholarship selection committee.
    • ALL finalists must participate in a mandatory oral interview on one of the pre scheduled days: Thursday, May 4 or Friday, May 5.
    • An additional interview day may be scheduled depending upon number of finalists.
    • Finalists for the Kunde Scholarship will have an additional interview with members of the Kunde family.

    If Selected:

    Proof of enrollment and a copy of the “thank you” letter to the scholarship donor are required before a check will be issued to scholarship recipients.

  • CAWG Foundation Gala for Student Scholarships, March 15

    Second Annual CAWG Foundation Gala to Raise Funds for Student Scholarships

    SACRAMENTO – The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation will host its second annual CAWG Foundation Gala, which will feature a reception, silent auction and a friendly wine competition judged by California political leaders. It will be held at The Sutter Club in Sacramento on March 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

    The goal of the gala is to bring together California legislators, government officials and CAWG members to increase awareness of the foundation’s accomplishments and raise money for scholarships for children of California winegrape grower employees.

    For the wine competition, legislators and government officials were invited to nominate California red or white wines. Nominated wineries that have confirmed for the competition so far include Beach House Winery, Bloomfield Vineyards, Claiborne & Churchill Winery, Cooper Vineyards, Doffo Winery, Fiddletown Cellars, Four Brix Winery, Gratta Wines, Iron Horse Vineyards, J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines, Michael David Winery, Oak Farm Vineyards, Opolo Vineyards, Rosenblum Cellars, Rusack Vineyards, Scheid Vineyards, The Steven Kent Winery, Wiens Family Cellar and Wilson Creek Winery. For event information, visit www.cawg.org (calendar and events).

    “We were pleased with the enthusiastic response at last year’s event and wanted to build on that this year,” said CAWG President John Aguirre. “With the support of participating wineries and legislators and success in fundraising, we can make a difference in the lives of students by providing financial assistance for their education.”

    Contacts:

    • Meredith Ritchie, CAWG Communications, 916-984-4473, meredith@cawg.org
    • Natalie Collins, CAWG Manager of Member Relations, 916-379-8995, natalie@cawg.org

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation

    The CAWG Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation. Each year the foundation awards two $8,000 four-year scholarships to students planning to attend a campus in the University of California or California State University system, and four $2,000 two-year scholarships to students planning to attend a California community college. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. The Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student who resides on the Central Coast and plans to major in enology or viticulture at Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The foundation awards at least seven scholarships each year and has awarded $371,500 since its inception in 1998. For more information, visit www.cawgfoundation.org.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers

    CAWG provides industry leadership to advocate for public policies, research and education programs, and sustainable farming practices to enhance the business of growing California winegrapes. The organization represents the growers of more than 50 percent of the gross grape tonnage crushed for wine and concentrate in California. For more information, visit www.cawg.org.

  • E.M. Tharp and World Ag Expo “We Believe in Growing” Scholarship Winners Announced

    Tulare, Calif., (February 15, 2017) – World Ag Expo and E.M. Tharp, Inc. have teamed up again to provide the “We Believe in Growing” scholarship, which supports local high school students who will be attending four-year universities to major in an agricultural field. This year’s winners, Grace Guthrie and Derrick Nunes, will each receive $2,500 scholarships to be renewed up to four years, totaling $10,000 per student.

    “We are thrilled to join again with World Ag Expo to support agricultural education,” said Casey Tharp, Vice President of E.M. Tharp, Inc. “There is so much ambition and talent within our younger generation. I am optimistic about the future of agriculture, because of students like Derrick and Grace.”

    Grace Guthrie, a student at Harmony Magnet Academy, plans to study Agricultural Business at California State University, Chico this fall. Grace comes from a long line of farmers and ranchers, and hopes to continue on with the family business. She has been a member of numerous agriculture associations, including the Tulare County Farm Bureau’s Youth Leadership Program.

    “I am excited about my future in agriculture,” said Guthrie. “I have worked diligently in my studies and will continue to do so, in preparation to contribute to solutions for my family, my community and my industry.”

    Derrick Nunes, a student at Tulare Union High School, plans to study Dairy Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Derrick is the Chapter Vice President for Tulare FFA and is involved in various youth organizations. He hopes to one day own a dairy and specialize in genetics.

    “Anything in life is possible as long as we work hard, have motivation and want to be successful,” said Nunes. “I look forward to one day hiring and mentoring future students who have my same passion for the dairy industry.”

    To be considered for the scholarship, students from across the Central Valley submitted letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. The winners will be recognized at the World Ag Expo Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.