BAKERSFIELD, CA - Grimmway Farms is continuing to invest both in the future and in labor loyalty as it adds to a 25-year streak of providing scholarships to children of its workforce.
“Education has always been important at Grimmway Farms, and we are grateful to continue the legacy of investing in our employees’ children. This is one of my favorite events each year because it involves two very important themes—our employees and education,” said Jeff Huckaby, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our employees work hard every day so that we can make these scholarships available, and every student has worked hard to earn them. We wish each of them great success!”
This year, 29 high school seniors join the Grimmway Farms Scholarship Program following superior academic performance, six of which will be the first in their families to attend college, according to a press release. Each student, which has a parent or guardian employed by Grimmway, was recognized and awarded at an outdoor reception at an annual company picnic last month.
“It has been a joy and inspiration getting to know these students throughout the application process,” shared Dana Brennan, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs. “The diversity of interests and drive is impressive and we look forward to watching them grow throughout their college careers.”
Recipients will attend a range of top-ranked schools, including Auburn University, UCLA, and Purdue, as well as a variety of schools in the California State and University of California school systems.
“After years of dedication and rigorous work, it’s such an honor to receive a MacBook and scholarship from Grimmway Farms. This award will greatly assist me in my college expenses, academic objectives, and represent more women in STEM,” scholarship recipient Nicole Inga exclaimed. “I’m thrilled to announce I will continue my academic journey at the University of California, Berkeley, where I plan on studying statistics and data science. Thank you, Grimmway Farms, for this incredible opportunity!”
Grimmway noted that each scholarship is renewable for four years. They are based on academic achievement and provide financial support for students attending two- and four-year colleges and universities. In addition to the funds provided, applicants who exceed a grade point average of 4.0 upon graduation from high school received a MacBook laptop as well, as Inga noted.
Under new ownership, Grimmway said it will continue to expand the reach of its support. This year it is awarding scholarships to California students in Kern County and the Southeastern United States, adding to a program that has supported more than 760 students through scholarships totaling over $2.15 million in funds since 1997.
Congratulations to the shining students and to the Grimmway team on such a longstanding achievement!
