The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) awarded two Fort Valley State University students $5000 scholarships to pay for college expenses.
Charisma Heath, a junior veterinary technology major and Adelia McKinley, a sophomore agriculture economics major, are two of 20 recipients from universities across the United States chosen to receive the 2017 NBFA scholarship. The funds from the scholarship can be used to cover college expenses such as tuition, room and board, books and associated fees.
“It is an honor to be one of the few students chosen,” said Heath, who is a third-time recipient of the scholarship. She initially applied for the scholarship during her freshman year and received $5000 in 2015. In 2016, the 21-year-old reapplied and received an additional $5000 and in 2017 she reapplied and received another $5000. Heath, who serves as captain of the FVSU cheerleading squad, plans to attend veterinary school after graduation at Tuskegee University or the University of Georgia.
McKinley, who is a first time recipient of the scholarship, said she was excited when she learned she would be receiving funds from the NBFA. In addition to the NBFA scholarship, the Jamaica native is the recipient of a $1900 scholarship from the Tom Joyner Foundation and a $500 scholarship from the class of 1970. McKinley, who serves as secretary for FVSU’s Student Government Association, plans to graduate in 2019 and pursue a Master of Business Administration. Her goal is to secure a job with a Fortune 500 Company.
The National Black Farmers Association is a non-profit organization representing African American farmers and their families in the United States. Created in 1995, it serves thousands of members nationwide.
To be eligible for the NBFA scholarship, students must be enrolled or plan to enroll at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school pursuing agriculture-related disciplines. They must submit a written essay, provide two letters of recommendation and complete an appraisal form. Academic performance, leadership, participation in community service and career goals also serve as criteria for selection.
“I am very proud of our students and would like to thank the National Black Farmers Association and the Tom Joyner Foundation for providing such scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students in minority-serving institutions,” said Dr. Govind Kannan, dean of the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology.
For more information about the NBFA scholarships visit, http://bit.ly/2gtByWW