Monsanto and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters are calling for applications for the 2011 Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship Program.
High school seniors pursuing careers in agriculture are eligible to apply for a $1,500 Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship award. To ensure the future of American agriculture, these scholarships help provide financial assistance to students based on their academic achievement and leadership skills. First established in 1999, the program has awarded nearly $1.6 million in scholarships.
"Monsanto is proud to invest in the future of agriculture," explained John Raines, Vice President of Customer Advocacy for Monsanto. "It is paramount that we recognize and support the very best in today's ag youth. We are excited to review applications from across the country from students seeking degrees in a variety of agricultural roles."
To qualify, high school seniors must come from a farming family, plan to enroll as a full-time student in an agriculture-related program from an accredited school, and commit to pursuing a career in agriculture. Applicants are evaluated on their academic record, leadership abilities, extracurricular activities and personal essays submitted as a part of the application process. FFA membership is not required to be eligible for the scholarship program.
"The NAFB is proud to join Monsanto in helping further educational opportunities for the students of America's farms and ranches in anticipation of their eventual leadership roles in the future. Our members strongly support advancing educational excellence, and Monsanto and NAFB are committed to rural America now and for the future," said Mark Vail, Executive Director of the NAFB.
Applications are available online at www.monsanto.com/scholarships. Online applications must be submitted by Feb. 15.