ISA Scholar Program begins with 2010-11 School Year

Photo: Illinois Soybean Association

Anticipated exponential growth in the global population by 2050 will create greater demand for food and a greater need to produce more food per acre.

Several Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) and University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) students may be in positions to help.  Eleven incoming students for 2010-11 have been named Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) scholars to pursue crop science degrees and ultimately fill much-needed industry positions.

“Enrollment in crop science programs at the four state universities has declined during recent years, which is detrimental for developing future university researchers,” says ISA Chairman Ron Moore, soybean farmer from Roseville.  ”Students often overlook what can be exciting and well paying career opportunities in the field, and Illinois soybean farmers hope to change that.”

Jason Emmert, assistant dean of academic programs, University of Illinois College of ACES, says five students selected for the scholarships will pursue degrees through the Department of Crop Sciences.  Recipients will be awarded $12,000 during their first year, followed by $10,000 per year for up to three additional years if renewal criteria are met.  To help reduce the cost of tuition, recipients will receive additional assistance worth up to $8,000 over four years, thus bringing the total potential value of the scholarship to $50,000 over four years.

Each of six SIUC students selected will receive substantial financial awards to help with their education expenses as well, says Bryan Young, SIUC weed science professor and program coordinator.  Three freshmen recipients can receive up to $10,000 over four years, while three transfer students can receive up to $5,000, if academic and work experience standards are met.

“Many of the recipients have already identified graduate school as an academic goal as a means to achieve their career aspirations.  Once these students complete their education at the B.S. level or beyond, I am confident they will be highly sought in the job market for their technical knowledge of crop science, job skills and hands-on work experiences,” says Young.  ”Students with these qualifications can hold several different positions and will certainly have a role in the development of new innovations and practices for crop production, especially soybeans.”

The 2010-11 school year scholarship recipients for the University of Illinois include:

• Jarai Carter, Champaign, Ill., Centennial High School
• Kristine Droste, Nashville, Ill., Kaskaskia College
• Ronald Dymerski Jr., Beecher, Ill., Marian Catholic High School
• Corey Johnson, Monee, Ill., Peotone High School
• Nathan Waldeck, Farmersville, Ill., Lincolnwood High School

The 2010-11 SIUC scholarship recipients include:

• Hunter Adams, Dewey, Ill., Saint Thomas More High School
• Lauren Arteman, Bellflower, Ill., Blue Ridge High School
• Ian Kessler, Ingraham, Ill., Clay City High School
• Nick Harre, Nashville, Ill., Kaskaskia College
• Rebecca Hoene, Neoga, Ill., Lake Land College
• Taylor Zurliene, New Baden, Ill., Kaskaskia College