The 4-H and Youth Department of the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) is continuing the tradition of providing youth life-skill programs and training on career awareness, workforce development, college access, among other topics. The Unit collaborates with a number of external partners in securing funding to educate the Texas youth. San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (S.A.L.E.) is an important contributor offering scholarships to the CEP’s 4-H members. The awards are provided to select 4-H members upon their high school graduation. Students must enroll and declare a major to attend Prairie View A&M University.
Travis County recipient Makalah Adams (Center) holds her award.
“We’ve been with the College from the beginning,” quipped Executive Director & CEO Keith Martin, of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Martin also commented that they began working with the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences in the mid-1980s. Two scholarships (totaling $30,000) were awarded annually to incoming freshmen.
S.A.L.E. Controller Jamie Brown indicated, “We are pleased to provide scholarship awards in the amount of $75,000 for five scholarships!” Part of the scholarship requirements include Scholars attending S.A.L.E. annual May Board meetings, volunteering in February at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and other locations, and being contributing citizens. “I smile when I see the students working in the Fajita Corral during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and it’s tremendous that they do so,” said Brown.
Beginning June 1, of this year, five 4-H members will receive a $15,000 scholarship. Through an online application process, 4-H high school students apply for the four-year scholarship. Scholars are to be model students and maintain high grade point averages. Each June, incoming freshmen are required to attend the S.A.L.E. Scholarship Presentation and Reception in San Antonio. Applications for the current year are under review.
Amari Callies (front) of Fort Bend County displays her award.
“Just as the students have been supported by the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo,” Brown said, “We hope that in turn, they too will pass it on by continuing to volunteer to help others obtain an education and give back to their communities.”
Incoming S.A.L.E. scholarship recipients are recognized and presented their awards each year at 4-H’s Youth Leadership Lab. In 2016, two scholarships were awarded to students from Travis and Fort Bend Counties.
The 4-H and Youth Development Unit is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Students and families are engaged in various life skills programs including club development, career awareness, workforce development, adult leadership, volunteer development, and college access initiatives. Youth are encouraged to work with local CEP agents to join a 4-H club as they engage in various programming initiatives and competitions. Interested persons should join 4-H by contacting their CEP 4-H Agent by clicking on the link: http://www.pvamu.edu/cafnr/cep/4-h-and-youth-development/
Joice A. Jeffries, Ph.D.
Program Specialist, 4-H and Youth Development
jojeffries@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5102