Three $16,000 scholarships are awarded each year to eligible high school seniors or graduates planning to attend a four-year university in California. California's fresh grape farmers, through the California Table Grape Commission, have awarded $700,000 to 77 students since 1984. The California Table Grape Workers scholarship program was the first worker-focused scholarship program offered by a farm organization and targets eligible table grape fieldworkers and their families.
The application period is from January to March each year and awards are made in May. Applications are mailed to high schools in the San Joaquin and Coachella Valleys as well as to table grape farmers to distribute to their employees.
Who May Apply
- Applicants must be high school graduates or high school seniors graduating in the application year
- Only field workers employed in the current or previous year California table grape harvest or their children are eligible for these scholarships
- Applicants must plan to attend a four-year college or university in California
Those Not Eligible
- Students currently enrolled in college
- Raisin and wine grape workers
- California fresh grape farmers and their immediate families
- Permanent staff and members of the California Table Grape Commission and their immediate families
- Commission suppliers
How the Selection is Made
Scholarships are awarded by the California Table Grape Workers Scholarship Committee. The committee is made up of community members including a California table grape grower, a clergy member with an interest in community service and a member of the educational community. Selection is based on academic performance, financial need, obstacles overcome, leadership ability and/or community service, and the ability to succeed.
What to Include with the Application
- A one- to two-page essay about the applicant
- A list of honors or special awards received by the applicant
- Two letters of recommendation
- An official high school transcript
- A copy of SAT or ACT results
The recipients of the 2007 California Table Grape Workers Scholarships are:
Cynthia Nava, Orosi High School
Doroteo Rivera, McFarland High School
Elizabeth Patino, Orosi High School
Click here to view bios of the 2007 scholarship recipients.
Click here to view the scholarship application.