On Aug. 7, just as high school graduates prepare to begin their college careers this fall, the California Table Grape Commission announced it had awarded eight scholarships to students from the table grape growing regions of California.
According to the announcement, California table grape growers have awarded more than 200 scholarships to help students in the grape growing regions of California attend college since 1985.
“Maintaining a scholarship program for 40 years is an exciting milestone and a testament to California table grape growers’ continued investment in the community that surrounds the California table grape industry,” says Ian LeMay, the commission’s president, in a news release. “At the same time, it illustrates why choosing California grapes is important in that it helps fuel support for all those working in the industry and their families.”
Growers awarded two $25,000 field worker scholarships to students attending a four-year college or university. Three $14,500 field worker bridge scholarships were awarded to students attending two years of community college and transferring to a four-year college or university. To be eligible for a field worker scholarship, applicants or a parent or guardian must work in the California table grape harvest. Three $25,000 agricultural scholarships were awarded to students attending a four-year California college or university and planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in a field of study pertinent to the table grape industry.
The winners for this year’s scholarships are:
- Alexa Yvette Ruiz Rios ($25,000 Field Worker Scholarship) — Rios graduated at the top of her class from Roosevelt High School with a 4.32 GPA and will attend University of California, Irvine to study business administration and political science. She studied law and policy, and business finance at The Center for Advanced Research and Technology. Her involvement in a number of extracurriculars, including Health Youth corps, youth court, and the Californians for Justice Club have well prepared her for her upcoming journey to become a corporate lawyer. Hear Rios in her own words.
- Daisy Sanchez Fernandez ($25,000 Field Worker Scholarship) — Fernandez graduated from Delano High School with a 4.38 GPA and will attend University of California, Berkeley to study political science as she starts her journey in becoming an immigration lawyer. She was awarded the 2025 Migrant Honor Student of the Year and served as the soprano section leader in choir. She was an active member of multiple school clubs and organizations, including the service club, math club, mock trial, choir and Future Business Leaders of California. Hear Fernandez in her own words.
- Adriana Cerpas ($14,500 Field Worker Bridge Scholarship) — Cerpas graduated from South High School with a 3.53 GPA and will attend Bakersfield College to study radiologic technology. Cerpas participated in South High School’s theater program where she found mentorship and was encouraged to pursue her goals and dreams. She looks forward to becoming an ultrasound technician to combine her interest in healthcare and desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Hear Cerpas in her own words.
- Kelly Ledezma ($14,500 Field Worker Bridge Scholarship) — Ledezma graduated from Cesar E. Chavez High School with a 3.49 GPA and will attend Bakersfield College to study education. Ledezma was an active member of her school’s NAMI club and excelled in the Education Pathway program, which prepared her for a career in education. Kelly looks forward to becoming an elementary school teacher and wants to encourage future students to succeed. Hear Ledezma in her own words.
- Yaribeth Suarez ($14,500 Field Worker Bridge Scholarship) — Suarez graduated from East Bakersfield High School with a 4.18 GPA and will attend Bakersfield College to study radiologic sciences. Suarez was exposed to healthcare education through the Health Careers Academy, which nurtured her passion for the medical field. She was also a member of multiple school clubs, including the history club, Great Outdoors Club and Link Crew. Hear Suarez in her own words.
- David Cox ($25,000 Agriculture Scholarship) — Cox graduated from Riverdale High School with a 4.39 GPA and will attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo to study agricultural business. Cox was actively involved in a number of school clubs and activities, including Future Farmers of America leadership, and varsity captain of the baseball and basketball teams. He plans to be a business proprietor in the Central Valley and start a farm equipment company to support the agricultural industry. Hear Cox in his own words.
- Malia Giumarra ($25,000 Agriculture Scholarship) — Giumarra graduated from Garces Memorial High School with a 4.70 GPA and will attend University of California, Los Angeles to study business economics. Throughout high school, Giumarra held multiple leadership positions, including leadership team member and student visionary for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and dream builder with the Jim Burke Ford Dimension. She belonged to various school clubs and organizations, including Link Crew, Garden Pathways and ASB, and was the women’s golf team captain her junior and senior years. Giumarra plans to build a career in the produce marketing industry. Hear Giumarra in her own words.
- Reygan Jones ($25,000 Agriculture Scholarship) — Jones graduated from Kingsburg High School with a 4.13 GPA and will attend California State University, Fresno to study agricultural business. Jones’ work experience with a local farm sparked her passion for agriculture and inspired her to pursue a lifelong career in the industry. She is actively involved in her community and participated in numerous school activities, including softball, volleyball and Link Crew. Hear Jones in her own words.
