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Farm Bill scholars focus on studies
Farm Bill Scholar Aria McElroy, a rising sophomore from Detroit, Michigan, sits in the yard that her family is constantly landscaping. “My Dad has always promoted gardening,” she said. Photo courtesy of Aria McElroy
For three students, the Farm Bill scholarship has meant few worries about finances and much energy devoted to their dreams.
Farm Bill scholars focus on studies
By JOAN KITE
At least one transfer student and two rising sophomores have experienced first-hand the gift that comes from being awarded a Farm Bill Scholarship.
TSU’s College of Agriculture was awarded $1.773 million for its 1890 Farm Bill Scholarship Program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Scholarship Program. Those monies, which were authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, can finance approximately more than 45 students’ educations for the next four years.
Current Farm Bill Scholars quickly realized the perks of an education when tuition and room and board are paid for.
“The Farm Bill Scholarship? It has been a great opportunity,” said Farm Bill Scholar Justin Walker, 19, a rising sophomore who is focusing on agribusiness. “It helps take a lot of pressure off me as a student.”
Farm Bill Scholar and rising sophomore Aria McElroy, 19, agrees.
“It was a heavy burden lifted from my shoulders. It helps me focus on schoolwork,” said McElroy, whose concentration is in Environmental Science. She is focusing on Environmental Science. To fund four years of her education, McElroy must maintain a 3.2 GPA.
Farm Bill Scholar Zoe Grosskreutz, a transfer student from Cleveland State Community College, echoes their feelings.
Farm Bill Scholar Zoe Grosskreutz, a transfer student, is interning this summer with Cobb-Vantress, a poultry breeding farm in Deerfield, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Zoe Grosskreutz
“It’s allowed me not to worry about how I am going to pay for school. I am able to focus on the step,” Grosskreutz said “I am contemplating a graduate school.”
Grosskreutz first heard about TSU from her agriculture instructor at Cleveland State University. Just three years before, Lauren Stevens was a graduate research assistant at TSU and a student herself.
Now McElroy, Morris and Walker can focus on their dreams. McElroy sees herself working a community garden to help people understand nutrition and how people’s actions affect the environment and corporations. Walker said he wants to earn a master’s degree in Agribusiness and work with the USDA or FDA.
With dollar signs out of the way, all three Farm Bill Scholars agreed they were happy with the funding and thrilled for the education, despite the pandemic, which has thrown a few kinks in their paths.
“I’ve gone through half of my college experience virtual,” said Grosskreutz, who is interning this summer and working on genetics at Cobb-Vantress, Inc., a poultry breeding farm in
“I really think TSU is looking for students who are contributing to the community, those who show passion within their work.”
