Columbus, Ohio — The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation (OSCF) announced new scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at Ohio colleges and universities.<br>
Students pursuing degrees related to the application of science and technology to agriculture are eligible to apply. These scholarships are designed to promote the application of science and technology fields to the agricultural industry, and support the development of the bioproducts industry in Ohio.<br>
“The list of industrial applications for soybeans continues to grow, and it is important to support the science and technology behind these applications,” said Kirk Merritt, OSCF director of outreach and programs. “These scholarships are a great opportunity for students, and they will help strengthen an important part of the Ohio soybean industry’s future.”<br>
The belief is that both the future prosperity and long-term vitality of American agriculture hinge on science and technology related to agricultural production and the development of new bio-based chemicals, polymers and other renewable materials for industrial and consumer applications.<br>
Five scholarships of up to $3,000 each are available for undergraduate students who are current Ohio residents. An applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student at an Ohio college or university and attained at least junior status by the fall of 2008, with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in his or her major field.<br>
Eligible fields of study include agricultural science, agricultural engineering, agricultural communications, biochemistry, bioengineering or a related field. Applicants must also demonstrate the desire to pursue a career focused on the application of science and technology to agriculture.<br>
Applicants will be evaluated on their application, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, community and volunteer activities, talents, awards, honors and an essay on how their chosen field of study will contribute to advancing the application of technology to the production of soybeans or soybean products.<br>
Additionally, two scholarships of up to $5,000 apiece are available to graduate students who are enrolled as full-time students at an Ohio college or university and have proof of legal residency in the United States. Applicants must be conducting research in bioproducts, bio-based materials, bioengineering, biopolymers or a related field, and focused on the development and use of bio-based products and materials derived from soybeans.<br>
The graduate student applications will be evaluated on the same criteria as undergraduate applications, with the exception that the graduate application essay will be on how the student’s chosen field of study will contribute to the advancement of the bioproducts industry, with an emphasis on soybeans.<br>
The OSCF scholarships will be competitively awarded, with funds paid directly to the educational institution. Scholarships are not renewable, though recipients may reapply. The deadline for applications is April 1.<br>
For more information and to download the scholarship applications, visit the Ohio Soybean Council at www.soyohio.org or contact Kirk Merritt by phone at 614-476-3100 or by e-mail kmerritt@soyohio.org<br>
The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the improvement of the Ohio soybean industry through the support of scientific research and education.