UnitedAg opens 2024 scholarships, launches internship and job placement program

UnitedAg, an organization representing over 1,000 agriculture-affiliated member companies, has opened its scholarship programs for 2024. The Irvine, Calif.-based organization also has introduced a new internship and job placement program through its 501(c)3 subsidiary, the Agribusiness Education Foundation, according to a news release.

This year UnitedAg and AEF will award a total of $86,000 in scholarships, an increase of $11,000 from previous years, the release said.

“AEF is committed to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders," Loretta Brown, AEF education committee chair, said in the release. "Through our expanded scholarship offerings and the launch of the internship and job placement program, we aim to empower students with the knowledge and experience they need to thrive in the field of agriculture."

The two scholarship programs, the Educational Scholarship Program and the Vocational Scholarship Program, officially opened for applications on Sept. 15. Students interested in pursuing higher education in the field of agriculture are encouraged to apply before the deadline of Dec. 31, 2023.

Detailed information and application forms for both programs can be found at unitedag.org/aef.

UnitedAg says its new internship and job placement program aims to provide students from AEF with hands-on experience and career opportunities within the agricultural industry. The program will consist of:

• Internships: Designed for students seeking a better understanding of California and Arizona agriculture, these internships will offer practical experience in various aspects of the industry.

• Job placement: Geared to graduates who are eager to kickstart their professional careers in agriculture, this program will connect them with job opportunities in the field.

UnitedAg is the largest association health plan for agriculture in California and Arizona representing more than 1,000 agriculture-affiliated member companies, the release said. Its mission is to assist members in meeting their employee health and benefits needs, advocate for their interests with lawmakers, and ensure compliance with health legislation and regulations.

For more information about UnitedAg's scholarship programs and the internship and job placement program, contact Maribel Ochoa at mochoa@unitedag.org.