The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDOA) and Fort Valley State University (FVSU) have announced the availability of one full undergraduate academic scholarship for an eligible student from the U.S. Virgin Islands to pursue studies in the field of agricultural science. The eligible candidate must have completed the 12th grade or received a Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED).
This scholarship award will cover the cost of tuition and dormitory accommodations for a maximum of four years at Fort Valley State University in support of studies leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural science. Areas of focus encompass a wide range of disciplines, including crop and animal science, plant pathology, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, veterinary medicine, and more.
Interested persons should submit three letters of recommendation, a GED or secondary high school transcript, along with an essay, not to exceed 300 words, that describes the applicant’s background and interest in a career in the agricultural industry. Applications should be mailed to:
Office of the Commissioner
V.I. Department of Agriculture
No. 1 Estate Lower Love
St. Croix, VI 00850
Submissions may also be faxed to 778-7977 or e-mailed to [email protected] . The deadline for submission of application materials is the close of business on Friday, April 29. All applicants will be pre-evaluated by staff of the VIDOA and recommendations will be made to the relevant faculty at Fort Valley State University. The successful candidate may commence studies as early as fall 2011.
This initiative demonstrates a continued partnership between the local Department of Agriculture and Fort Valley State University and a shared commitment to advance agriculture in the territory. In 2009, Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia, collaborated with the VIDOA to launch the Young Farmers Training Program, which exposed ten young adults from the territory to four weeks of intensive classroom instruction and practical exercises. This latest initiative demonstrates the on-going commitment of the VIDOA and the de Jongh/Francis Administration to ensuring the future of agriculture in the territory and the involvement of our youth in this important industry.
Commissioner of Agriculture Louis E. Petersen, Jr., Ph.D., expresses sincere appreciation to his colleagues at Fort Valley State University for their partnership and support of Virgin Islands agriculture.