New Merit Scholarship Will Assist Incoming Production Agriculture Students

For some North Carolina students receiving early acceptance to NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, an invitation to apply for a scholarship that covers tuition, books, and fees, may also arrive in their inboxes.  A new scholarship worth up to $40,000 is available for an outstanding student with plans to major in production agriculture.

The first of its kind, the Marsha K. Prestage Scholarship provides full-tuition assistance to a student who demonstrates a strong desire to advance the state’s production agriculture industry. Established by Marsha K. Prestage, treasurer and director of Prestage Farms, the scholarship deepens the Prestage family’s dedicated support for the college.

“I cannot imagine any other school that deserves our dedication or loyalty,” says Prestage. An avid champion of scholarships, Prestage hopes the program will build incoming students’ interest in production agriculture.

Scholarships like the Prestage can be game-changers for recipients.  Susan Jones, a junior studying poultry science at NC State, attests to their impact. “Scholarships can relieve a huge burden on students and their families. Many students find themselves forced to work lengthy hours that later impact their academic progress and career preparation,” she says.

As an honor student and merit scholarship recipient, Jones explained that scholarships change a student from thinking they can never attend college, to making attendance a reality. “My scholarship experience has provided more than just an education, it has given me an opportunity.”

One student will annually receive the cost of tuition, books and fees for up to four years.  Eligibility is by invitation only, and interested students should apply for a production agriculture major at the university by October 15, 2017.

The award will go to an incoming freshman receiving early admission to one of the eligible CALS majors.  The ideal student will possess strong academic merit — 3.9 unweighted GPA, 1200 SAT (math and critical reading combined) or 27 ACT (composite) are required.

Every potential candidate must also have demonstrated leadership activities in agriculture, be a North Carolina resident from a rural area and have plans to major in the area of production agriculture.

For more information on the Prestage Scholarship, visit the Prestage Scholarship website at go.ncsu.edu/prestagescholarship or contact Robin Clements at 919-515-2614.