The NextGen Scholarship aims to create the next generation of STEM-educated scholars.
The NextGen Scholarship aims to create the next generation of STEM-educated scholars.
(NMC) — In keeping with the NextGen Program’s proactive approach to ensuring educated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics students earn their degrees, the program has officially awarded 73 students scholarships from the associate to doctorate degree levels.
As a result of the NextGen Scholarship, which garnered over 100 applications, a total of 73 students were awarded. Of those selected, the scholarship will support 62 undergraduate degrees, six master’s degrees, and five doctoral degrees. The students are awarded as a way to support learners pursuing degree programs in food science, agriculture, natural resource management, agritourism, and related fields.
Funded through the USDA NIFA NextGen Workforce Initiative, NextGen CNMI’s primary focus is Agritourism: Regenerative Workforce for African-American and Insular Communities. The NextGen Scholarship was first announced in November 2023, with its primary initiative set on inspiring current college students to pursue STEM degrees in an effort to bridge the gap between agriculture and education. Alongside receiving financial support, students were also provided with counseling support, access to summer academies, internships, and mentorship opportunities through USDA and MANRRS National Chapters and the MANRRS-NMC Chapter.
To qualify for the scholarship, students must already be accepted into an eligible undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited institution and a US citizen and CNMI resident, or permanent resident. In addition, students must have an initial GPA of at least 2.5, while expecting a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible for renewal.
Awarded students are enrolled at over 30 institutions across the US, including Northern Marianas College, Stanford University, Washington State University, Portland State University, the University of Hawaii System, Chaminade University, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin Madison, University of New England, and various others. Of the students selected, 51 are enrolled in public institutions, with the remaining 22 enrolled in private institutions.
“The scholarship program offers major benefits. Firstly, it directly addresses the skills gap in these vital sectors, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified professionals. As the global population grows, the demand for innovative agricultural practices, sustainable resource management, and effective food systems becomes increasingly urgent. Scholarships can attract talented individuals to these fields, fostering expertise essential for tackling contemporary challenges such as climate change, food security, and environmental sustainability,” stated Dr. Sarker, NextGEN Project Director, Professor and NMI Program Leader for Food Science.
Dr. Sarker continues, “Moreover, these scholarships can promote diversity and inclusivity within the workforce. By targeting underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities, the program can help create a more equitable landscape in agricultural and natural resource professions. This diversity not only enriches the workforce but also leads to more innovative solutions, as varied perspectives contribute to problem-solving and decision-making processes.”
“I am truly grateful for the NMC NextGen Scholarship. It has enabled me to continue pursuing my degree, especially during my last semester at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Thanks to this scholarship, I will be able to complete my Bachelor’s in Marine Science by the end of this year without the stress of financial burdens associated with tuition and fees,” shared scholarship recipient Laurina Sebaklim.
“The NMC NextGen Scholarship Program is an incredible opportunity that I am so blessed to have received. It is an opportunity to achieve my academic goals without the worry of whether I worked enough and saved enough for the next semester. I’m able to take some time for myself, fully participate and be present in my courses, and have the time to create networks and relationships on and off campus. It is also an opportunity to be a part of a community of scholars from the CNMI, to have other scholars to lean on and support as well! Thank you NextGen!” shared another student.
Patty Coleman, interim dean of NMC-CREES stated, “Dr. Zaidul Sarker and co-Project Director Dr. Yunzi Zhang endeavored to provide scholarships for 27 CNMI residents through NextGen. Thanks to the collective efforts of the NextGen team, we’ve significantly exceeded that target by awarding 73 scholarships to our CNMI residents.”
With this pivotal investment in education and workforce development, the NextGen scholarship holds the potential to drive innovation and sustainability in the CNMI and beyond. By providing financial support and mentorship, the next generation of leaders are being nurtured to shape the future of agriculture, food science, and natural resource management in the CNMI.
(This is not a scientific poll.)
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