Alison Khun of Unity is among four students beginning post-secondary education this fall who are getting a boost from Federated Co-operatives Ltd.
FCL's collaboration with local retail Co-ops in Western Canada has led the establishment of the Excellence in Ag program that was launched last year.
Khun, who is entering her first year in the Animal Science Technology program at Lakeland College, and the three other students are eligible to receive scholarships up to $20,000, paid summer internships, and the opportunity to secure future employment (including signing bonus) during their pursuit of a diploma or degree in agriculture or business.
"Co-op has a long tradition of supporting agriculture in Western Canada," says Ron Healey, FCL's associate vice-president of Ag and Home. "We believe in the future of agriculture and are proud to support its growth with our investment in the Excellence in Ag program."
Healey added there are some misconceptions about what a career in agriculture really means today.
"Few other industries are in the midst of such innovative change and offer so many diverse career paths," Healey said. "This program encourages students to consider agriculture, allows them to apply classroom principles in a practical internship, while providing them monetary support in pursuing their educational and career aspirations."
The other recipients are: Kaylee Morris (Delisle), who is entering her first year in the Agriculture program at the University of Saskatchewan; Danean Edgar (Wolseley), who is entering her first year in the agribusiness program at the U of S; Michelle Ross (Grenfell), who is entering her first year in the animal science program at the U of S.
The deadline for applications for the Excellence in Ag program will be Jan. 31, 2015. Information will be available later this fall through local Co-op ag centres and by visiting www.coopconnection.ca.
