Bayer Congratulates and Supports More Than 350 Future Ag Leaders
Since its inception, Grow Ag Leaders, a Bayer Fund program, has focused on raising awareness about the diverse career opportunities within the agriculture industry and has been dedicated to recognizing and supporting the next generation of ag leaders.
Congratulations to our recent scholarship winners! Grow Ag Leaders (GAL), a Bayer Fund program, has awarded $1,500 scholarships to more than 350 students pursuing ag-related fields of study.
This year, we received an impressive number of applications from FFA members across the country who were graduating high school seniors or current full-time college students. The winners have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a commitment to advancing the field of agriculture.
Whether it’s pursuing a trade school, vocational certificate or a two-year or four-year degree, these students now will go on to their next steps in education. On their journey to become future ag leaders, some of the GAL Scholarship winners shared about the impact of this support:
| “Thank you for awarding me with the Bayer Fund-Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship. This scholarship is extra meaningful because a tour at Bayer was what got me interested and motivated me to pursue the plant biotechnology degree. Your generosity will assist me in furthering my education and lead me toward success in my future endeavors. I appreciate your investment in me and look forward to what the future holds. FFA has given me countless opportunities throughout high school, so I am honored to receive a scholarship through the National FFA Organization. Thank you again for your generosity.” Jase Beltz, Studying Biotechnology for an intended career in Plant Genetics |
| “Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship, it is very appreciated! This money will help me to pay for part of my college tuition and fees so that I can pursue my passion in agriculture. I will be attending the University of Arizona in the Fall to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Education, with hopes in becoming an agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor.” Carolyn Meade, Studying Agricultural Education for an intended career as an Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor |
| “Thank you, Bayer, for your generous donation. I plan to use your support to gain a degree in mechanical engineering. Once I finish my schooling, I would like to use my knowledge to innovate equipment in the AG industry. I also currently am taking over the family farm. I hope to continue my family’s legacy of hard work and success. Your devotion towards bettering the future of farmers doesn’t not go unnoticed. Once again, I would like to thank you for assistance.” Owen Bergman, Studying Engineering for an intended career in Mechanical Engineering, working for a farm equipment manufacturer |
| "Thank you for providing me the opportunity to continue my education in agriculture and to grow my knowledge and continue to advocate for an industry that is so important. This scholarship means so much to me and I want to thank those who donated and were able to make this possible!” Madeliene Pollard, Studying Agricultural Communications for an intended career in Ag Communications |
Since 2010, Grow Ag Leaders has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to students pursuing studies in the more than 250 professions that support farming. Today, an ag-related job can mean a career in information technology, software development, procurement, finance, education, sales, food science, food processing, biology, research, ag economics, and countless others.
“To help fill the array of jobs we anticipate on the horizon in the years to come, we want current and future college students to be aware of the countless ag-related vocations we think may be available to them,” said Ben Kampelman, Bayer NA ANZ CS Communications Lead. “Over the years, we've had the privilege of assisting many talented and passionate students to pursue educational and career goals that support the broader agriculture industry.”
Bayer Crop Science has partnered (and continues to partner) for 73 years with National FFA and has invested nearly $30 million to-date in growing youth leaders, providing resources, and contributing time to FFA student engagement from our employee volunteers – many of whom are FFA alumni. These partnerships are essential and have a lasting impact, as we help ensure a future pipeline of skilled ag leaders for our company and the industry.
