University of New England students have been announced as recipients of the 2020 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship, an initiative of AgriFutures Australia, in partnership with industry sponsors.
Following an extensive judging process focused on the applicants’ commitment to agriculture, leadership potential and career aspirations, 14 students from around the country have been awarded an AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship, four of them from the University of New England (UNE). The new scholars bring the total of UNE students involved in the scholarship program to ten.
Samarah Thrift who is studying a Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England was thrilled to receive the scholarship and thanked Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) who will support her Horizon journey.
“It’s an absolute honour to receive the scholarship. I have watched other students from my university go through the Horizon program and the skills and abilities that they gain from it are unimaginable. I’m very excited to see where this opportunity will take me and the many doors that it will open.
“I’m excited to meet other students involved in the program, take part in placements and to gain new skills that will give me the leading edge when I enter the workforce. I am so grateful to be the recipient of this scholarship and couldn’t thank AWI enough for giving me this opportunity,” said Ms Thrift.
The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship provides its scholars with $10,000 over two years, thanks to ongoing support from industry sponsors, which provides assistance with study and living expenses for the final two years of the students’ agricultural related degree. Additionally, students also receive professional development workshops and work placements, connection with their sponsors, access to industry leaders and opportunities to network and gain knowledge at a range of industry events.
Students are carefully paired with an industry sponsor that aligns with their career aspirations and industry experience. Support from sponsors is key to the program’s success and assists students in expanding their networks and learning new skills relevant to a career in their chosen field. 2020 Sponsors include the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA), Australian Eggs, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Hort Innovation, Cotton Research & Development Corporation (CRDC), McCaughey Memorial Institute, AgriFutures Rice Extension Program and AgriFutures Australia.
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey congratulates the 14 students from across Australia on their success and welcomes the next generation of Australian agriculture to the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program.
“We are thrilled to welcome our 2020 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship winners, selected from a talented pool of over 85 applicants. It is very exciting to see the quality, passion and drive coming into our industries.
“Our scholarship program also creates a unique opportunity for students to experience career pathways they may not have otherwise been exposed to, which helps to set them up for a long and successful and career in agriculture,” said Mr Harvey.
All students involved with the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program will attend a four day workshop in July focused on leadership and personal development. The workshop will feature special guest speakers, industry experts, field trips and also provide the opportunity to network, meet sponsors and discuss innovations and challenges in the agricultural sector.
Image L-R: Elizabeth Argue, Anna Horton, Andrew Gray and Samarah Thrift.