Monsanto Canada’s 2010 Opportunity Scholarship Program offers graduating Grade 12 high school students a $1,500 entrance scholarship to help fund their post-secondary education.

“Our scholarship program is one of the most rewarding programs we administer on a yearly basis and we are pleased to be able to support kids from farm families who have chosen to study agriculture at the post-secondary level,” said Trish Jordan, public affairs director with Monsanto Canada.

The scholarships are available to eligible students entering their first year of post-secondary education in agriculture at a recognized Canadian educational institution. Students:

must come from a family farm with confirmed plans to enrol in their first year of postsecondary education in an agriculture-related program;

must have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership capabilities, and a keen interest and involvement in their rural community;

must submit a completed application form, which includes an essay that outlines what area of agriculture they would like to work in and why.

All completed application forms must be postmarked no later than May 14, 2010.

Scholarship application forms and posters are being distributed to high schools, 4-H Clubs, provincial and federal agriculture offices, farm retail outlets and seed companies. Application forms are also available from Monsanto’s CustomCare line at 1-800-667-4944 or can be accessed online at www.monsanto.ca.

The Monsanto Canada Opportunity Scholarship Program has awarded more than $1 million to thousands of deserving students since the program’s inception in 1991.