File photo of Wayne Lindwall at the 2019 scholarship announcement event. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Applications still open for $10,000 Agricultural Scholarship awards

Jan 23, 2022 | 7:05 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The deadline to apply for the fourth annual Agricultural Scholarship awards is fast approaching.

Two students from southern Alberta who are pursuing a career in agriculture or ag business will receive $10,000 towards their schooling, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Lethbridge East and Lethbridge & District Exhibition.

Wayne Lindwall, Chair of the Ag Scholarship Committee noted that applying students can “attend any university in western Canada or even in Montana, [they] just have to be from southern Alberta, so that’s one of the criteria.”

“They have to be well-rounded students, active in the community and good advocates for agriculture and good advocates for the principles of Rotary.”

He encourages all eligible students to apply.

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Lindwall told LNN that this year, depending on sponsorships and fundraising efforts, organizers “might even be able to offer three scholarships this year, three $10,000 scholarships.” However, as it stands now, two scholarships will be awarded.

“As far as we know, it’s the largest undergraduate scholarship in North America, so we’re pretty proud of that. Obviously, $10,000 goes a long way to helping cover the cost of university training these days.”

In addition to relieving some financial stress for students, Lindwall believes the scholarships help highlight the importance of the agriculture sector in Alberta and the southern portion of the province.

He remarked that, “it just helps the community recognize how important we all believe agriculture is in supporting our local economy because as you well know, the agri-business and agriculture is a multi-billion dollar industry in southern Alberta.”

“It’s important that we recognize through continued support to our future young professionals coming up through the academic system.”

Lindwall added that the scholarship “gives the students a lot of self-confidence in moving forward, to be recognized for their efforts.”

The deadline to apply for the scholarship awards is January 31. Plans are in place to celebrate the award recipients at a ceremony and dinner on March 3. More information about the 2022 Agricultural Scholarship awards is available here.