Field Workers Scholarship

Since 1985, California table grape growers have awarded 195 scholarships to help students in the growing regions of California attend college.

Field Worker Scholarships are available to California table grape workers and their children, including scholarships to any four-year California college or university, and scholarships to help students attend a community college and transition to a university or college in California.

California table grape growers also award agricultural scholarships to those interested in building a career in the California table grape industry and in investing their undergraduate years of study in academic areas of importance to its future. Recipients must reside in the Coachella or San Joaquin valleys and attend a college or university in California.

FIELD WORKER SCHOLARSHIPS

California table grape growers are offering scholarships to field workers and their children to attend four-year universities or colleges in California.

There are two categories of scholarships. The first, called the Bridge Scholarship, is a $14,500 scholarship for students who will attend two years at a community college and transfer to a four-year university.

The second is a $25,000 scholarship for students who will attend a four-year university. Three scholarships of each category are available.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• You, a parent, or legal guardian must have been employed as a field worker in a California table grape vineyard during the 2023 harvest season or plan to be so employed during the 2024 season.
• High school graduate or high school senior graduating in 2024.

APPLYING FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP

To apply for either scholarship, complete this application form, check which scholarship you are applying for, and sign and date where noted. In addition to the application, please supply the following items:

• An official high school transcript.
• An essay that is no more than two pages long. In this essay, describe yourself, your educational and career goals, financial need, obstacles you have overcome, and the people or events that have influenced you. Include a paragraph on how this scholarship, if awarded, will assist with your educational and career goals.
• A list of any honors or awards received and activities in which you are involved (e.g., school, work, church, home, or community).
• Two letters of recommendation written specifically for this scholarship; one from a school principal, counselor, or instructor; and the other from an employer or a person in the community.

SELECTION PROCESS

Scholarship applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee, which is made up of agriculturalists, educators, and members of the community. Selection is based on financial need, academic performance, obstacles overcome, clear educational or career goals, leadership ability, and community service. Preference will be given to those expressing a commitment to a future in agriculture and/or a career in the California table grape industry.