National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications

The National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2017-18 academic year. In its third year, the NBFA Scholarship Program will award scholarships of up to $5,000 to African-American farmers or dependents of African-American farmers who plan to enroll or are enrolled in agriculture-related study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.

Funded by the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of North American automaker FCA US LLC, the NBFA Scholarship Program will award up to $100,000 in scholarships this year.

“Higher education provides essential tools, knowledge, and resources that allow people to pursue and achieve their goals,” said Lesley Slavitt, Head of Civic Engagement, FCA US LLC, and CEO of the FCA Foundation. “It is a privilege for the FCA Foundation to be a partner with the National Black Farmers Association and these remarkable students to ensure that the next generation of African-American farmers receive the training and skills that will enable them to thrive.”

Apply for the 2017-18 NBFA Scholarship Program
NBFA scholarships are awarded based upon several criteria, including: academic performance, demonstrated leadership, participation in agricultural and community activities, and career goals and objectives. Applications will be accepted at https://www.scholarsapply.org/blackfarmersassociation through April 28, 2017 or until 100 applications have been received, whichever comes first. 

“My father taught me very early on that land is the most important tool that a person can possess. And he taught me if I treat the land good the land will take care of me,” said John Boyd, Jr., President of the National Black Farmers Association. “Educating aspiring African-American farmers provides an opportunity to increase and advance agricultural technology, which will be passed on as a vital part of our rich farming legacy to future generations.”

Since 2015, the NBFA Scholarship Program has made 40 scholarships and provided $187,500 in educational support to students participating in a diverse range of agricultural-related studies including: agribusiness, food sciences, biology, holistic nutrition, urban farming, and veterinary science. Following is a list of the 2016 NBFA scholarship recipients.

2016 National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program Recipients

Student	College/University	Area of Study
Demetrius K. Arnold	University of Arkansas	Agricultural Systems Technology Mgmt.
L'Quaan C. Atkinson	North Carolina A & T State University	Agricultural Education
Ali Austin	Tuskegee University	Agribusiness
Anthony D. Bland	Mississippi State University	Agribusiness / Accounting
Cameron Bradshaw	Kansas State University	Agribusiness
Candace Clark	Tuskegee University	Agribusiness
Ariel K. Demotte-Carter	Texas A&M University	Food Science
Edra Fisher	Lincoln Land Community College	Agriculture
Isabella G. Fisher	Lincoln Land Community College	Biology / Holistic Nutrition
Gabrielle Galvan	California Polytechnic State University	Animal Science
Aaron Gauff	Lindenwood University	Biology
Taylor Gauff	Delaware State University	Veterinary Science
Peyton Greenwood	Tuskegee University	Food Science
Charisma Heath	Fort Valley State University	Veterinary Science
Bryant A. Hunter	Prairie View A&M University	Animal Science
Marquan Jones	Cornell University	Food Science
Aaron F. Lewis	Tuskegee University	Animal Science
Xavier Price	Florida A&M University	Ag-Science / Entomology
Logan R. Quinn	Oregon State University	Breeding / Genetics
Danelle Solomon	Tennessee State University	Agribusiness
Michael D. Walker	Southern University and A&M College	Agricultural Science

  About the National Black Farmers Association
The National Black Farmers Association is a non-profit organization representing African-American farmers and their families in the United States. As an association, it serves tens of thousands of members nationwide. NBFA's education and advocacy efforts have been focused on civil rights, land retention, access to public and private loans, education and agricultural training and rural economic development for black and other small farmers.

About the FCA Foundation
The FCA Foundation is committed to rebalancing inequalities to promote the full realization of every human being. We seek to support outcomes in our communities that ensure people can enjoy equality and dignity. The FCA Foundation directs its resources toward the following areas of focus:

• Youth Development – helping young people develop the leadership qualities and resiliency necessary to succeed in school, at work, and in life.
• Education – building the skills and competencies that lead to achievement and support educational access and success.
• Military/Veterans – ensuring veterans successfully transition to civilian life and that the needs of military service members and their families are supported.
• Service – leveraging the talents and contributions of all members of the community.

Applications for funding are accepted by invitation only.