01/16/09 Time for Washington State Potato Foundation scholarships

Farm and Ranch January 16, 2009 It is time to apply for the Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program offered by the Washington State Potato Foundation. The Foundation's Kellee Balcom says the program is open to entering freshman as well as current college and trade school students in the Washington and Oregon potato growing regions, who aspire for a career in agriculture. Balcom: "Every year the Potato Foundation looks for 20 of the brightest and best students that are off to pursue degrees in agriculture. We have an application ready and we have a pile of money, hopefully between 30 and 50-thousand dollars, to give away to students that are off to get those degrees." Balcom says this year there is something more than the traditional Excellence in Agriculture Scholarships. Balcom: "Thanks to the Commission we have two additional scholarships this year that are kind of the "best of the best" sort of an award. Not only will they get up to five-thousand dollars a year for tuition but there is also some work experience stipends which are available. So if they get selected for that they get something that can last not just the one year, but up to three years." Getting an application for the scholarships is easy. Balcom: "They can check our website, which is www.washingtonspuds.org or they can go to the Commission's website www.potatoes.com and download an application." Applications are due this February 25th. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.