The USDA NextGen Program has awarded 24 additional scholarships worth a total of $268,000 to undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This latest round brings the total number of scholarships awarded for the 2024 academic year to 55, for a total of $525,000. More than 83% of the funds were allocated to under-represented or first-generation college students, underscoring the USDA’s dedication to promoting diversity and equity in agricultural education.
Through these scholarships, the NextGen Program is empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders, providing crucial support to students breaking barriers and pursuing their dreams in higher education and equipping scholars with knowledge and opportunities. This includes participation in events like the annual Alaska Farm Bureau conference in November, where students explored career possibilities within the agricultural industry.
Scholarship applications for the next academic year will open in early February 2025. Eligible students are encouraged to apply. For more information about the USDA NextGen Program or the upcoming scholarship application process, visit https://www.uaf.edu/ces/nextgen/ or contact Jay Clapeck at jjclapeck@alaska.edu
