In recognition of the importance of agriculture to the South Florida community, the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition funds $16,000 in scholarship awards of $1,000 each to graduating high school seniors who pursue higher education programs in agriscience, agribusiness and agriculture.
The scholarships are awarded in conjunction with the Dade County AGRI Council. AGRI Council members judge the scholarship applications and select the awardees.
“In light of a recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that college graduates with a degree in agricultural programs are in high demand, we are pleased to be able to help support these important young people to achieve their dream of higher education,” said Robert Hohenstein, president and CEO.
Winners will be announced May 11 at The Youth Fair’s Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner and Ceremony at the Fairground’s E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion.
A total of $150,000 in $1,000 scholarships will be distributed at the ceremony to graduating seniors from public, private and home schools across Miami-Dade County. The blue-ribbon Scholarship Program, created in 1958, is the affirmation of The Youth Fair’s commitment to education. Students receiving scholarships will be selected for outstanding dedication to academics as well as school and community activities.
In further support of the agriculture industry, The Youth Fair sponsored one of the buses hired for the Dade County AGRI Council’s 54th Annual Ag/Farm Tour on Feb. 24. Tour participants enjoyed an all-day adventure with behind-the-scenes glimpses of the region’s vibrant agricultural operations in conjunction with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the Miami-Dade County Extension. Lunch was served at the Redland Golf and Country Club, where Drs. Christine and Van Waddill, professors emeritus with the University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, were honored for their service. In addition, the AGRI Council distributed three scholarships to graduate and undergraduate college students at the luncheon.
The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition (The Youth Fair) is the largest charity event in South Florida. The not-for-profit association is dedicated to promoting education and agriculture while showcasing and rewarding youth achievement and providing quality family entertainment, all without taxpayer dollars. The annual Youth Fair exhibits more than 58,000 student projects to more than 612,000 Youth Fair guests and awards more than $460,000 annually in college scholarships, cash premiums and awards to students. To date, The Youth Fair has presented well over $11 million to the Miami-Dade community. It received the 2016 Trustee of the Year award from the South Hispanic For information about the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition visit fairexpo.com or call 305-223-7060.
