National Black Farmers Association Opens 2016 Scholarship Application Period

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Mar 01, 2016, 10:15 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Scholarships funded by the FCA Foundation support the development of a new generation of African-American farmers

The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) Scholarship Program today opened the application period for 2016 scholarships. The application site, https://scholarsapply.org/blackfarmersassociation, will remain open from March 1 to May 2, 2016, or until 100 applications have been received, whichever comes first.

Funded through a grant from the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, the program provides scholarships of up to $5,000 to students pursuing agriculture-related study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.

"Higher education provides transformational tools, knowledge and resources," said Lesley Slavitt, Head of Civic Engagement, FCA US LLC, and CEO of the FCA Foundation. "It is a privilege for the FCA Foundation to be a partner in ensuring that the next generation of African-American farmers receives the training and skills that will help them to thrive."

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

"The scholarship funds went toward my tuition, which has helped to lift some of the financial burdens placed on my family and I," said Michael Coleman, a 2015 NBFA scholarship recipient who is pursuing a degree in animal science at Alcorn State University. Coleman, a Raymond, Miss., native, was awarded a $5,000 NBFA scholarship.

Established in May 2015, the National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program awarded 19 scholarships nationally – a total of $87,000 – to support the development of a new generation of African-American farmers.

"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," said John Boyd, Jr., President of the National Black Farmers Association. "The National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program is a huge step in the right direction for the survival of America's black farmers.

"Educating black farmers provides an opportunity to increase and advance agricultural technology, which will be passed on as a vital part of our rich farming legacy to future generations."

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.

SOURCE FCA US LLC