Fresno, CA – Seven students from California table grape growing regions earned scholarships from California table grape growers.
Producers awarded two $25,000 field worker scholarships to students attending a four-year university. Two $14,500 Field Worker Bridge Scholarships were awarded to students who attended two years of community college and transferred to a four-year college or university.
To be eligible for a Field Worker Scholarship, applicants or a parent or guardian must work in the California table grape harvest. Three $25,000 agricultural scholarships were awarded to students attending a California four-year college or university and planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a field of study relevant to the table grape industry.
Since 1985, California table grape growers have awarded more than 200 scholarships to help students from California’s grape-growing regions attend college.
Learn more about the 2024 California Table Grape Scholarship recipients below.
Field Worker Scholarships of $25,000
Ms. Leslie Aquino graduated from East Bakersfield High School with a 4.5 GPA and will be attending the University of California, Merced to study computer science. Leslie was a member of her school’s track and cross country teams, an avid church and community volunteer, and was selected to participate in the Kern High School District Art Show. Not only is Leslie the first person in her family to graduate from high school, but she also graduated at the top of her class and she will be the first in her family to attend college this fall. . Hear Leslie in her own words here:
Mr. Marco Jimenez graduated from Delano High School with a 4.2 GPA and will attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, to major in civil engineering. Marco was the captain of the Delano High School Drumline and a founding member of the Delano High School Gardening Club, which grows and maintains a variety of plants and
crops. A dedicated volunteer in the community, Marco hopes to return to Delano after college to further assist in the development of the city as a civil engineer. Hear Marco in his own words here:
Field Worker Bridge Scholarships of $14,500
Ms. Anali Alcantar graduated from Harmony Magnet Academy with a 3.3 GPA and will be attending Porterville College to study education. Anali is an active member of the community, she spends her time as a SCICON camp counselor and volunteers with the Porterville Barn theater group. Anali will be the first in her family to attend college and then hopes to be an elementary school teacher helping young students learn English. Hear Anali in her own words here:
Ms. Lizbeth Ramirez Ramos graduated from Harmony Magnet Academy with a 4.0 GPA and will be attending Porterville College to study nursing. Lizbeth was a member of the Presidential List and participated in the Academic Decathlon, winning a gold and bronze medal. Lizbeth is a former SCICON camp counselor and also served as an Imagine Arts intern, helping students in kindergarten through sixth grade with STEM projects. Lizbeth has a passion for healthcare; After finishing her prerequisites in nursing, Lizbeth plans to transfer to a four-year college to major in midwifery. Hear Lizbeth in her own words here:
$25,000 Agricultural Scholarships
Ms. Madison Jackson graduated from Liberty High School with a 4.1 GPA and will attend California State University, Chico to study agricultural education and environmental sciences. Madison was deeply involved in FFA, holding several FFA leadership positions, attending numerous FFA conferences, and helping her vine pruning team place fifth in the state finals. Madison is passionate about the future of agriculture and she plans to become an agriculture professor after college to help future students understand the importance of agriculture and environmental stewardship. Hear Madison in her own words here:
Ms. Olivia Machado graduated from Tulare Western High School with a 4.3 GPA and will attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo to study agricultural business. Olivia was an active member of Tulare FFA, earning several FFA degrees and awards in various FFA competitions, including first place Ag Issues State Finalist and third place Ag Issues National Finalist. Olivia was also a dedicated athlete as a member of the basketball, track, water polo and swimming teams. After college, Olivia plans to attend law school to become an agricultural attorney and advocate for farmers, ranchers, and the agricultural industry. Hear Olivia in her own words here:
Ms. Brenda Monje graduated from Tulare Western High School with a 4.1 GPA and will be attending California State University, Fresno to study food technology. Brenda was a member of the Tulare FFA vine pruning team, earned a California State FFA degree, and served as San Joaquin FFA Regional Vice President. Brenda is interested in the future of agricultural technology and after college she wants to contribute to technological innovations in the agricultural industry. Hear Brenda in her own words here:
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