Two seniors at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore were recipients of $10,000 scholarships from the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement. The awards, $5,000 per semester for each student for the 2022-23 academic year, assisted them in continuing their studies and intent to pursue careers in agriculture.
Kurt Fuchs, the senior vice president for external affairs for Horizon Farm Credit, recently visited campus for the final check presentation to Juliaana Fitts and Yahzamon Jackson.
“The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is pleased to recognize the outstanding academic achievement of both scholarship recipients and we look forward to the bright future each has in agriculture,” said Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement board chair, Laura Heilinger. “It’s an honor to support the agriculture, agribusiness and food science programs offered by UMES as well as the remarkable students who are pursuing careers in those fields.”
“I greatly appreciate the commitment of the Farm Credit Foundation in supporting scholarships focused on enhancing workforce development efforts in agriculture, which has a dire need for new talent,” said Dr. Moses T. Kairo, dean of UMES’ School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences.
Fitts, a general agriculture major from Bowie, Maryland, concentrating in plant and soil science, aims to put her degree toward a career “developing sustainable food sources,” a critical need area highlighted by the challenges associated with COVID-19.
“The pandemic caused problems with the supply chain and transporting foods and food items from different locations, along with increased prices,” Fitts said. “I want to work on programs to help eliminate food insecurity across the county, particularly in underserved communities where people have a difficult time finding adequate food and have to rely on community resources and various charitable organizations. This scholarship will put me on the path to making sure every family has access to healthy food that is sustainable for their community.”
Jackson, who calls West Baltimore home, is majoring in general agriculture with a plan to be a veterinarian. UMES checked three boxes for Jackson during her search for colleges as a high school senior: it was an HBCU, had a Pre-Vet track and her school’s Junior Minorities in Agricultural, Natural Resources and Related Sciences chapter was linked to UMES.
When she arrived at UMES, she joined its MANRRS chapter and the Pre-Vet Club in its inaugural year, now serving as president.
“Dr. (Kimberly) Braxton is an amazing advisor and always encourages us to pursue every opportunity available,” Jackson said. “I’m hoping to use my education to not only help animals, but also to become a role model for people who want to join the field but don’t know where to start.”
One of those opportunities began during an internship with a vet care facility in Baltimore, where she is now employed as a vet nurse assistant during breaks from school.
“I work hard in school and my financial aid and work study really helps me, but I also need additional support, as they are the only source of income when it comes to tuition,” Jackson said. “This scholarship eliminates some of the financial stress in order for me to put all my energy into my studies.”
Gail Stephens, Agricultural Communications and Media Associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, 410-621-3850, gcstephens@umes.edu.
Photo by Todd Dudek, Agricultural Communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
