Key Takeaways:
- Tri Counties Bank Donates to Ag Education: A $30,000 donation was made to support the “Sow the Seeds” Scholarship Program, aiding Tulare County students.
- Empowering Future Farmers: The program targets low-income high school students interested in agriculture, providing start-up funds for their first projects.
- Strengthening Community Through Education: The initiative aims to foster leadership and career skills among students, preparing them for future success.
- Eligibility and Application: Details on how to qualify and apply for the scholarship, with applications currently open for the 2024 Porterville and Tulare County Fairs.
Supporting Youth in Agriculture
In a significant move to support agricultural education and youth development, Tri Counties Bank has announced a generous donation of $30,000 to the Tulare County Foundation for Ag Education and Youth. This contribution is earmarked for the “Sow the Seeds” Scholarship Program, a pivotal initiative designed to support low-income high school students in Tulare County with aspirations to join the Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Investing in the Future
“Sow the Seeds” is not just a scholarship program; it’s an investment in the future of agriculture and community leadership. According to Brett Lew, Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Regional Manager at Tri Counties Bank, this initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of community leaders and agricultural experts. “Investing in our students is investing in the future strength and leadership of our communities,” Lew remarked, highlighting the importance of agricultural education in building a resilient and prosperous society.
Fostering Agricultural Skills and Leadership
The scholarship program is tailored to assist students interested in embarking on their first small market livestock or ag mechanics project. The program aims to remove financial barriers that might deter students from pursuing their agricultural interests by providing start-up funds. FFA programs play a crucial role in this endeavor, offering students opportunities to develop leadership and career skills through competitions, agribusiness education, and public speaking.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the “Sow the Seeds” Scholarship Program, applicants must be Tulare County high school students and FFA Chapter Members. They are required to include a recommendation letter from an FFA Advisor and plan a project for either the 2024 Porterville Fair or the 2024 Tulare County Fair. Additionally, selected students will present their project plans and budget, enhancing their learning and planning skills.
Broadening Agricultural Knowledge
David Rocha, Board Treasurer for the Tulare County Foundation for Ag Education and Youth, emphasizes the program’s goal to broaden students’ knowledge of agriculture. “Our objective is to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students from pursuing their first FFA project,” Rocha stated, affirming the foundation’s commitment to making agricultural education accessible to more students.
How to Apply
Applications for the “Sow the Seeds” Scholarship Program are open for students planning to exhibit at the 2024 Porterville Fair or the 2024 Tulare County Fair. Interested students are encouraged to seize this opportunity to kickstart their agricultural projects by applying through the official Tulare County Foundation for Ag Education and Youth website.
