Twenty-two Nebraska students have been awarded a total of $33,000 in college scholarships from America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. The program raises awareness of the diverse career opportunities in the agriculture industry and provides scholarships to support students’ education in ag-related fields. Farmers play a vital role by promoting the opportunity to local students and endorsing their applications.

$33,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS: Farmers in Nebraska endorsed 22 rural students for a total of $33,000 in college scholarships through America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, a program that provides scholarships to support students’ education in ag-related fields. (Photo: Istock/Thinkstock)

Justin Shipman of Guide Rock, a 2016 scholarship recipient, exemplifies the quality of students who are a selected for Grow Ag Leaders scholarships because of his passion for ag and leadership. "Justin consistently exhibits all of the traits of cooperation, citizenship and leadership to make him a well-rounded individual," says Joe Strickland, Red Cloud High School FFA advisor. "Justin has been active in every phase of school, community and club activities. He has worked hard to achieve personal goals that he set early in his life. He is a deserving recipient."

Other recipients of America's Farmers Grow Ag Leaders scholarships include: Jackson Spilker of DeWitt, Emily Keiser of Gothenburg, Darren Hegemann of Howells, Holly Podliska of Madison, Colin Fellhoelter of Bridgeport, Matthew Morton of Nehawka, Ashley Neujahr of Lincoln, Madison Jones of Papillion, Eric Leisy of Wisner, Nathaniel Choat of Plainview, Caleb Eckel of Pleasanton, Kensie Burnside of Stapleton, Brittney Reinsch of Sutton, Alex Stocker of Grand Island, Kaitlin Taylor of Holdrege, Cassidy Curtis of Royal, Bobby Reifenrath of Wynot, Kolton Held of Leigh, Wade Amsberry of Ansley, Hannah Esch of Unadilla, and Emily Frenzen of Fullerton.

Grow Ag Leaders scholarships, administered by the National FFA Organization, are available to high school seniors and college students in 1,326 eligible counties across 40 states. The students must pursue degrees in ag-related fields. To be considered, each applicant is required to receive endorsements from at least three local farmers. FFA members and non-FFA members are both eligible to apply. With support from the Monsanto Fund, more than $1.1 million in scholarships has been awarded to students since Grow Ag Leaders piloted in 2014.

For more information, visit growagleaders.com. America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders is part of the America’s Farmers community outreach initiative. Other programs include America’s Farmers Grow Communities and America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education. Visit www.americasfarmers.com to learn more.

Source: America's Farmers Grow Ag Leaders