Scholarships and Awards
The Vegetable Growers Association Scholarship
For a sophomore or junior at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences based on demonstrated interest in the vegetable industry, academic performance, financial need, and academic or work-related experience. Awards can range $1,000 - $2,000. Please note that enrolled Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences students will be notified during late Fall Semester (sometime during November) concerning the start of the annual VGA scholarship application process.
CRITERIA:
1.) Open to Sophomores and Juniors enrolled Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences students. Majors include plant biology, biotechnology, agricultural science and related fields.
2.) IMPORTANT: must have demonstrated interest in vegetables with either academically related or work experience. This area is key to the award.
3.) Academic performance and some financial need.
4) Candidates selected will be invited to a VGA Board Meeting during the year to celebrate the Award.
5.) Student candidates must submit the following: A) One-page statement outlining career goals and demonstrated interest in vegetables B) Resume C) One faculty/staff/employer recommendation. IMPORTANT: This is the complete application; no other materials need to be submitted.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF MATERIALS:
*Not taking applications at this time
Questions can addressed to Dean Joe Ventola & All Application Materials must be Emailed: scholarships@sebs.rutgers.edu
Charles E and Lena Maier Vegetable Crops Research Award
Background
The Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, Inc. is pleased to make available the Charles E. and Lena Maier Vegetable Research Award. Charlie Maier enjoyed a long life as a grower and participant in the affairs of New Jersey's vegetable industry. Charlie donated $60,000 to the Rutgers University Foundation establishing an annual award in appreciation of the service they received from Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) during the many years their family were commercial vegetable growers. Through earnings and additional gifts, the principal of the Fund is now approximately $224,500. From 1985 to 2020 the research fund has awarded 78 grants for a total value of $192,175.
Purpose
This grant provides an award to individuals working in the NJAES and Rutgers Cooperative Extension, who engage in research projects enhancing the commercial vegetable industry of New Jersey. Priority is given to proposals for practical research projects: directly applicable to vegetable production and marketing in New Jersey; likely to have near-term impact on the activities of New Jersey vegetable growers; that are new and require seed money; that require specific tools or a piece of equipment and not likely to receive funding from outside sources or NJAES.
Award Amount and Reporting Requirements
The VGA anticipates about $8,000 will be available annually. This may be used to support one or more than one award for lesser amounts. Recipients are required to prepare a Summary of Accomplishments for NJAES and VGANJ for posting on the VGANJ website and to present results at New Jersey grower educational events including the Annual Vegetable Growers Convention and Trade Show.
Proposals
A call for proposals is sent out in November or December of each year. Award recipients are announced at the Vegetable Growers Annual Meeting. To apply for this award, contact Dr. Wesley Kline, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cumberland County, 291 Morton Ave., Millville, NJ 08332 or email wkline@njaes.rutgers.edu.