California’s table grape growers recently awarded scholarships to seven students in grape growing regions of the state. All recipients will be attending California universities or vocational schools.
Four field worker scholarships were awarded: one $3,500, two-year award for study at a vocational school and three $20,000, four-year awards for study at a California university.
Here are the 2019 scholarship recipients:
$20,000 Four-year Field Worker Scholarships 
Mr. Alex Aguilar is a graduate of Shafter High School. Alex plans to attend San Diego State University where he will major in mechanical engineering with the goal of becoming an engineer.
Ms. Julissa Elizondo is a graduate of Cesar E. Chavez High School in Delano. She plans to attend UC Davis to major in cell biology with the career goal of becoming an OB/GYN.
Mr. Diego Garcia is a graduate of Harmony 
Magnet Academy High School in Strathmore. He is a California Scholastic Federation member as well as an adult literacy volunteer. He plans to attend UC Davis where he will major in neurobiology, physiology, and behavior with the goal of becoming a surgeon.
$3,500 Two-year Field Worker Scholarship
Ms. Stephanie Torres is a graduate of Porterville High School. Stephanie plans to attend the Clovis Culinary Arts Academy and will pursue a career as a pastry chef.
$20,000 Four-year Agricultural Scholarships
Mr. Juan Espinoza is a graduate of Shafter High School. Juan plans to attend CSU Bakersfield where he will major in agricultural engineering with a goal of mechanizing the table grape harvest.
Mr. Nicholas Patton is a graduate of Golden West High School in Visalia. He plans to attend UC Davis to major in biotechnology, followed by the pursuit of a master’s degree in biological engineering at Cornell University. Nicholas’ final goal is to develop new food technologies.
Mr. Zachary Wilson is a graduate of Kingsburg High School. Zachary plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to major in both agricultural sciences and agricultural business with the career goal of owning an agricultural business.
Since 1985, the California Table Grape Commission (commission) has awarded scholarships to children of table grape field workers. More than 130 students have received scholarships to attend vocational schools, community colleges, and California universities.
In 2012, the commission created a new scholarship program, one designed to encourage those who want to study and work in the agriculture industry with an emphasis in the table grape industry. To date the program has helped 27 students attend four-year California universities.
For more information:
Jeff Cardinale
Grapes from California
Ph: +1 (559) 447-8350
info@grapesfromcalifornia.com
www.grapesfromcalifornia.com