Aug 14, 2015

Fruit industry scholarships available in 2015

The Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Michigan Vegetable Council announce the availability of scholarships for students who intend to pursue careers in the Midwest fruit industry or vegetable industry, respectively.

The awards are made available by these organizations, with the generous support of industry sponsors. In 2014, scholarship awards totaling $19,500 were awarded with the support of Agro Fresh (SmartFreshT), All Fresh GPS LLC, Breckenridge Insurance, Crop Production Services, MACMA Apple Division, Nestle/Gerber Products Company, North Bay Produce, Valent USA, Wilbur-Ellis Company, as well as the support of the following industry publications: Meister Publications (American Fruit Grower, American Vegetable Grower), Fruit Growers News and Vegetable Growers News.

The target amount per scholarship is $1,500, but it could be more or less at the discretion of the selection committee. The award is not based on need or academic achievement; however, the selection committee may use these criteria to decide between two or more qualified applicants.

To receive more information or an application contact your guidance office or the appropriate office as follows:

• Fruit scholarships: Michigan State Horticultural Society, 63806 90th Ave., Hartford, Michigan 49057; phone – (269) 424-3990; or email [email protected]. An application is also posted on the MSHS website at www.mihortsociety.org. Applications should be mailed or e-mailed by Sept. 30, 2015.
• Vegetable scholarships: Michigan Vegetable Council, P.O. Box 277, Erie, Michigan 48133; phone – (734) 848-8899; or email [email protected]. An application is also posted on the MVC website at www.michiganvegetablecouncil.org. Applications should be mailed or e-mailed by Sept. 30, 2015.

The recipients will be selected in the fall and the attendance of recipients is expected at the banquet during the 2015 Great Lakes Fruit Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO in Grand Rapids, Michigan.