- Author: Eve Solana Roxane Dowdell
We celebrate the recipients of the 2023-2024 California 4-H Higher Education Scholarships.
You all are dedicated and passionate about pursuing academic or vocational education at a higher level. See the stupendous recipients below.
Dean Memorial Legacy Scholarship, $1,000
This scholarship is given to students pursuing any field of scholastic endeavor. Candidates are judged on how 4-H has influenced their future plans, their involvement with leadership and civic engagement experiences, and demonstrating a level of skill and knowledge in any project area. This scholarship fund is provided by Bob and Pat Dean, devoted 4-H supporters for nearly 40 years. Without children of their own, Bob and Pat considered the 4-H youth their children and use this scholarship to insure the future of their 4-H family.
Sudharsan Gopalakrishnan, Contra Costa County
Sudharsan graduated high school in 2023 and plans to study Computer Science at Harvey Mudd College. Sudharsan had a host of experiences in 4-H that cultivated his passion for engineering, robotics, and community service. In Sudharsan's own words, "through my extensive involvement in 4-H, I have not only honed my technical skills but also developed crucial leadership, teamwork, and project management abilities".
Rebekah McPeek, San Joaquin County
Rebekah graduated high school in 2023 and is studying animal science at Texas A&M University, Kingsville with the long-term goal of pursuing veterinary medicine. In Rebekah's words, "my 4-H experiences influenced me to want to become someone who advocates for the topics that I believe in and pursue a degree in the field of Agriculture. With [what] 4-H provided me, I am where I am today."
Clarissa Shane, San Joaquin County
Clarissa is currently pursuing her master's degree in Oral History at Columbia University. Clarissa attributes her interests in public speaking, activism, storytelling, and overall educational decisions to her experiences in the CA 4-H program. In Clarissa's own words, in 4-H, "I was able to identify my personal values such as respect and service as well as gain crucial communication skills through my involvement with other youth and adults in the local community."
Mabel W. Jacks Scholarship, $2,000
This scholarship is given to students pursuing any field of scholastic endeavor. The Mabel W. Jacks Endowment Fund is in memory of R.C. Jacks, an enthusiastic supporter of both 4-H and FFA.
Cody Dowdell, Stanislaus County
Cody is currently studying Electrical Engineering and Industrial Electronics at Modesto Junior College. Cody's passion for helping others through innovation and sustainability can be seen throughout his academic and 4-H careers. Not only has 4-H instilled confidence and courage in Cody, but it has "opened [his] eyes to many world needs and the out-of-the-box engineering careers that serve those needs".
Megna Nayar, Santa Clara County
Megan graduated high school in 2023 and is currently pursuing Economics at UC Santa Barbara. Throughout Megna's 4-H career, she developed skills in analytics, leadership, civic engagement, and particularly, equity literacy. These skills, and her toolbox of others, have equipped Megna with the "ability to make an impact in [her] field" and the passion to address "education, poverty, and more with an economic perspective".
Morgan Sweet, Madera County
Morgan graduated high school in 2023 and is studying Sports Business at Fresno State University. With a passion for sports, Morgan has been a leader since preschool. Morgan credits her leadership skills to her time in 4-H. In Morgan's words, "4-H has opened my eyes into many future possibilities" with a Business major.
Camille Thomason, Napa County
Camille graduated high school in 2023 and is finishing her first year at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt as a Business Administration major. As a 4-H Camp enthusiastic and former CA 4-H State Ambassador, Camille has had many opportunities to develop communication, event planning, and media literacy skills through her 4-H experiences. In Camille's own words, "all of these skills will help me in college and in my career. I am glad I had a chance to learn...by doing with 4-H."
Samarin Family Vocational Scholarship, $1,000
This scholarship is given to candidates who are enrolled or will be enrolled in a vocational/trade school or junior college vocational training program in the United States. Vocational education refers to organized educational programs that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment or for additional preparation for a career requiring education other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree.
Elisabeth Gage, Monterey County
Elisabeth is currently working towards her Journalism degree at Belmont University. Ever since Elisabeth was a little girl, she has loved to give speeches and perform, and her time in 4-H refined her public speaking skills. Now, thanks to the lifelong skills 4-H provided her, Elisabeth has "the confidence to speak in front of anyone or any size crowd".
We congratulate our 2023-2024 recipients.
Whether you are entering the higher education space for the first time or entering the masters degree program, you are a rock star! Keep up the good work and remember that your CA 4-H family is rooting for you!
Applications are open for 2025 Higher Education Scholarships
If you under the age of 25 years old and pursuing a higher education, consider applying for a California 4-H Higher Education Scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded in 2025. For more information about requirements and timelines, visit the 4-H Higher Education Scholarships page on the California 4-H Resource Center.
/h2>/h2>/h3>/h2>/h3>/h3>/h3>/h3>/h3>/h2>/h3>/h3>/h3>/span>/h2>/h2>- Author: Pamela S Kan-Rice
Applications and nominations of outstanding students pursuing careers in agriculture will be accepted through May 13, 2024, for UC Agriculture and Natural Resources scholarships and awards.
Students, faculty and colleagues are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to honor academic excellence and provide additional support for undergraduate and graduate students.
Bill and Jane Fischer Vegetation Management Scholarshipis for students enrolled at ANY accredited California university, with preference given to graduate students. The recipient of the $1,000 (multiple awards possible) will be selected from students who are enrolled in fall 2024 pursuing degrees in vegetation management, weed science or agriculture specializations plant science, soils and plant nutrition, agricultural engineering, agricultural botany, plant pathology, plant protection and pest management, or agricultural economics. Students apply directly.
Howard Walton Clark Prize in Plant Breeding and Soil Buildingis for students enrolled at UC Berkeley, UC Davis or UC Riverside. The $5,000 (multiple awards possible) will be awarded to a promising student who will be enrolled as a senior in fall 2024 in the College of Agriculture and/or Natural Resources with demonstrated scholastic achievement and talent for independent research with reference to either plant breeding (leading to new/improved crops and new/improved varieties using appropriate tools) or soil building (leading to improving soil quality related to soil productivity and sustainability as a resource). Nomination by faculty member required.
Knowles A. Ryerson Award in Agricultureis for students enrolled at UC Berkeley and UC Davis. $2,500 (minimum one award for each campus)given to an international undergraduate student who will be enrolled in fall 2024 in the College of Agriculture and/or Natural Resources, in any curriculum, preferably after completion of the junior year. The award is based on high scholarship, outstanding character and promise of leadership. Nomination by faculty member required.
More information about the application process can be found on at https://ucanr.edu/anrscholarships.
For questions, please contact Andrea Ambrose, UC ANR director of advancement, at apambrose@ucanr.edu.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is seeking applicants for the Bill and Jane Fischer Vegetation Management Scholarship. Established by friends and family of the late Bill Fischer, UC Cooperative Extension advisor, the scholarship is awarded in the amount of $1,000 to students at any accredited California university pursuing degrees in vegetation management, weed science or any of the following agriculture specializations:
- Vegetation management in agricultural crop production
- Plant science with emphasis on vegetation management in horticultural, agronomic or vegetable crops
- Soils and plant nutrition with emphasis on field, vegetable crop relationships
- Agricultural engineering with emphasis on developing tools for vegetation management
- Agricultural botany with emphasis on weed biology and weed ecology
- Plant pathology with emphasis on integrated vegetation management
- Plant protection and pest management with emphasis on field, vegetable, or horticultural crop relationships
- Agricultural economics with emphasis on vegetation management in field, vegetable, or horticultural crops.
Preference will be given to graduate students.
The Fischer scholarship application is also available online or as an electronic printable application. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked no later than April 29, 2022. Multiple $1,000 scholarships may be awarded.
Nominate students
University faculty or academic advisors are invited to nominate outstanding students studying agriculture for the Howard Walton Clark Prize and the Knowles A. Ryerson Award.
Nominations may be emailed to apambrose@ucanr.edu. Nominations may also be mailed to UC ANR, Development Services, 2801 Second Street, Davis, CA 95618, ATTEN: Scholarships and Awards. Nomination materials must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 29, 2022. Awards will be distributed to students enrolled in the 2022 fall quarter/semester.
Howard Walton Clark Prize in Plant Breeding and Soil Building (For UC Berkeley, UC Davis And UC Riverside students) Amount: $5,000 (multiple awards possible)
This prize is awarded to promising senior students in the College of Agriculture and/or Natural Resources with demonstrated scholastic achievement and talent for independent research with particular reference to either plant breeding (leading to new/improved crops and new/improved varieties using appropriate tools) or soil building (leading to improving soil quality related to soil productivity and sustainability as a resource). Note: recipient(s) must be seniors during 2022-2023.
Knowles A. Ryerson Award in Agriculture (UC Berkeley and UC Davis students) Amount: $2,500, minimum one award for each campus (multiple awards possible)
This award is given to an international undergraduate student in the College of Agriculture and/or Natural Resources, in any curriculum, preferably after completion of the junior year. The award will be made on the basis of high scholarship, outstanding character, and promise of leadership
If you have any questions regarding these awards, please contact Andrea Ambrose, director of advancement, at apambrose@ucanr.edu.
- Author: Sue Lake
The UC ANR Staff Assembly has established a scholarship program that is available to all UC ANR staff employees and county-paid employees. The scholarship provides financial assistance to UC ANR staff to pursue career interests, develop new career paths, and address knowledge or skill gaps needed to reach professional development goals.
Scholarships may be used for
- Courses/tuition/registration fee for required certification(s).
- Courses/tuition/registration required for degree attainment if related to current position or career development.
- Registration fees for seminars and workshops (excluding travel).
- Books and materials for career development (as required by selected course/workshop etc.).
Up to $499 is available, depending on the amount of eligible applications received. Only successfully completed training activities will be approved. Applicants must provide proof of completion with a passing grade for courses or seminars.
This year's award dates are for courses taken between April 16, 2018, and Oct. 31, 2018. Deadline for applications is close of business Oct. 31, 2018.
For more information and the application form, visit http://staffassembly.ucanr.edu/Scholarships.
Scholarship recipients
During the last cycle, Staff Assembly doubled the number of scholarship awards offered – six people received scholarship reimbursements, ranging from $494-$499 each. The recipients were:
- Christina Becker, lab asst. 3, Nutrition Policy Institute
- Lea Corkidi, staff research associate 2, UCCE San Diego
- Ria Debiase, Pest Management Guidelines coordinator, IPM Statewide Program
- Jerry Harris, administrative services officer, UCCE San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara
- Kim Ingram, HR analyst III, Academic Human Resources
- Rhett Woerly, facilities management specialist 3, UC ANR Facilities Planning and Management
Here is what the scholarship recipients are saying about the program:
When Ria Debiase was asked if she would apply for a scholarship again she replied, “Yes. As I will be entering grad school while working as a UC employee, I appreciate any help I can get.”
Lea Corkidi heard about the program at an all-staff meeting in her office. She definitely plans on applying for funds again in the future and absolutely recommends the scholarship program to peers and colleagues!
Rhett Whoerly took courses related to his Construction Management Certificate and also plans on applying for scholarship funds in the future.
The Staff Assembly Council and the Scholarship Award sub-committee congratulates all the recipients.
We are so happy to be able to provide these reimbursement scholarships and hope that more employees take advantage of this program.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
Three scholarships are being offered to college students majoring in agriculture by the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The scholarships will be awarded for the fall 2018 semester or quarter. The deadline to apply or nominate for the scholarships is May 18, 2018.
KNOWLES A. RYERSON AWARD IN AGRICULTURE
Amount: $2500 – two awarded each year, one each at UC Berkeley and UC Davis
The Knowles A. Ryerson Award in Agriculture is awarded annually to a foreign undergraduate student in a college of agriculture at UC Berkeley and UC Davis, in any curriculum, preferably after completion of the junior year. Students must be nominated by UC faculty or academic advisors. The $2,500 award is made on the basis of high scholarship, outstanding character and promise of leadership. One recipient will be selected from the Berkeley campus and one from the Davis campus.
HOWARD WALTON CLARK PRIZE IN PLANT BREEDING AND SOIL BUILDING
Amount: $5,000 – one awarded each year
The Howard Walton Clark Prize in Plant Breeding and Soil Building is given to a senior student in a college of agriculture at UC Berkeley, UC Davis or UC Riverside who seems to show the greatest promise. Students must be a senior at some point during the 2018-19 academic year and nominated by UC faculty or academic advisors. Selection for the $5,000 scholarship is based on high scholastic achievement, talent for independent research and other characteristics, with particular reference to either plant breeding (leading to new/improved crops and new/improved varieties using appropriate tools) or soil building (leading to improving soil quality related to soil productivity and sustainability as a resource).
BILL AND JANE FISCHER VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
Amount: $1,000 – one awarded each year
The $1,000 Bill and Jane Fischer Vegetation Management Scholarship will be given to promising students with demonstrated interest in vegetation management (weed control) careers. Students from any accredited California university are eligible, with preference given to graduate students. The recipient will have an academic major and emphasis in one of the following areas (listed in order of preference):
- Vegetation management in agricultural crop production;
- Plant science with emphasis on vegetation management in horticultural crops, agronomic or vegetable crops;
- Soils and plant nutrition with emphasis on field, vegetable crop relationships;
- Agricultural engineering with emphasis on developing tools for vegetation management;
- Agricultural botany with emphasis on weed biology and weed ecology;
- Plant pathology with emphasis on integrated vegetation management;
- Plant protection and pest management with emphasis on field, vegetable, or horticultural crop relationships; or
- Agricultural economics with emphasis on vegetation management in field, vegetable or horticultural crops.
For more information about the scholarships and nomination and application processes, visit http://ucanr.edu/Development_services/Awards_and_scholarships.