2009 CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS HIT MILLION DOLLAR MARK

To assist strawberry farm workers in providing education to their children, the California Strawberry Commission today announced the California Strawberry Scholarship Program has given more than $1 million to high school and college students to continue and complete their college education.

“This is one of the most rewarding and exciting programs for the Commission because we get to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of young people,” said Neil Nagata, Chairman of the Commission. “The people who harvest strawberries are the most integral part of this industry and providing educational scholarships to their kids is one of the ways to give back to the people who help contribute to the thriving California strawberry industry.”

Now in its 15th year, the California Strawberry Scholarship program has awarded educational scholarships to approximately 900 students totaling more than $1million. In 2009, 72 students are slated to receive approximately $140,000.

The California Strawberry Scholarship Program has contributed to the successful completion of educational degrees, including Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs. Many students have entered professions that have enabled them to build professional careers and give back to their families and communities.

“I am a UCLA student working on earning a PhD in Education,” said Marcela Cuellar. “The scholarships that I’ve received through the Commission have been a tremendous financial help in getting me to this point in my education. This year’s scholarship is especially important since working beyond part-time is not possible in my current program.”

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