OREANDA-NEWS. November 05, 2015. The FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, and the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) today awarded more than \\$87,000 in scholarships to support the development of a new generation of African American farmers. Established in May 2015, the National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program funded by the FCA Foundation awarded 19 scholarships to college students who are pursuing agriculture-related study. The FCA Foundation also announced it would fund up to \\$100,000 for a second year of the NBFA Scholarship program.

“Empowering young people with access to knowledge is transformational,” said Lesley Slavitt, Head of Civic Engagement – External Affairs, FCA US LLC. “Supporting entry to higher education will ensure that these future leaders galvanize the tools, skills and passion necessary to make meaningful change in the world and provide access to food security for generations.”

\\$2,500 Scholarship Recipients    
Student, Hometown School Major
Kamal Bell, Durham, NC North Carolina A&T State University Agricultural Education
Anthony Bryant, Bronx, NY Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Urban Farming
Edra Fisher, Havana, IL Lincoln Land Community College Agriculture                    
     
\\$5,000 Scholarship Recipients    
Demetrius Arnold, Marianna, AR University Arkansas Agricultural Technology
Victoria Bradley, Memphis, TN Middle Tennessee State University Agribusiness
Cameron Bradshaw, Jetmore, KS Kansas State University Agribusiness
Michael Coleman, Raymond, MS Alcorn State University Animal Science
Mykeldren Davis, Memphis, TN Alcorn State University Animal Science
Aaron Gauff, Zachary, LA Lindenwood University Accounting
Gabrielle Galvan, Granada Hills, CA California Polytechnic State University Animal Science
Danelle Solomon, Nashville, TN Tennessee State University Agriculture
Caria Hawkins, Glen Saint Mary, FL Columbia Southern University Environmental Management
Charisma Heath, Austell, GA Fort Valley State University Veterinary Science
Zaid Hightower, Cleveland, OH Ohio State University Psychology/Agriculture
Kahmron Hymes, Crossett, AR University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Animal Science
John McKenzie, Kennesaw, GA Tuskegee University Nutrition Biology
Kristen Stigger, Memphis, TN Tennessee State University Agriculture Soil Science
Aaron Stripling, Austin, TX Prairie View A&M University Agriculture
Justin Walker, Elon, NC North Carolina A&T State University Agricultural Education

Scholarship recipients were selected based upon several criteria, including academic performance, demonstrated leadership and participation in agricultural and community activities, and career goals and objectives.

“The plight of the black farmers and the loss of Black-owned farms, have been a major issue for well over a 100 years,” said John Boyd, Jr., President of the National Black Farmers Association. “In 1910, nearly 1 million Black Farm families owned over 15 million acres of land. Today, less than 45,000 black farm families own 3 million acres. The NBFA Scholarship program will begin to address black land loss.” 

Information about how to apply for the 2016 NBFA scholarship program will be available in early May at https://scholarsapply.org/blackfarmersassociation/.

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
Since 1953, the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, has invested more \\$500 million in charitable organizations and initiatives that help empower people, and build strong, viable communities. The FCA Foundation invests in programs that generate meaningful and measurable societal impacts in the following areas:

  • Education – programs that inspire young minds, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM);
  • Military – programs that support financial and basic needs of military service members, veterans and their families;
  • Multicultural/Diversity – programs that promote inclusion and opportunity for diverse populations; and
  • Youth Development – programs that help young people develop the skills and leadership qualities to succeed in school, at work, and in life.

Additionally, FCA US seeks opportunities to support communities through its Motor Citizens® volunteer program. This innovative program enables FCA US salaried employees to use 18 hours of paid time each year to be an Engine for Change by investing their time and talents in community service projects.