Three agriculture students receive Native American and Latino scholarships

Three college students within the AgFirst District have each been awarded $3,000 to further their studies by the Bank’s Native American and Latino Scholarship Program. AgFirst has partnered with the Native American Agriculture Fund and Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences to offer the annual financial awards to full-time students enrolled in business- or agriculture-related fields.

Meet the recipients for the 2023-2024 school year to learn how they embody AgFirst’s mission to support rural communities and agriculture.

Justin Montalvo, Latino scholarship recipient

Montalvo is a sophomore at North Carolina State University studying biochemistry and genetics with a concentration in crop cultivation.

“AgFirst’s commitment to supporting rural communities and agriculture aligns perfectly with my passion for crop cultivation. I am excited about the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to support those in agriculture,” Montalvo said.

Ashton Myrick, Native American scholarship recipient

Myrick is a junior at Clemson University studying agricultural education. She sees education as a powerful tool to uplift the next generation of farmers.

“My life’s mission is to teach young minds about the importance of agriculture and all the areas that fall within it. I want to instill the love and knowledge of agriculture that was instilled in me at a young age,” Myrick said.

Katelyn Harris, Native American scholarship recipient

Harris is a junior at North Carolina State University studying animal science. She is passionate about supporting farmers, especially those who are part of her Lumbee tribal community.

“I seek to help Native American farmers with their livestock in a way that makes the growth and production of animals easier. I plan to use what I’ve learned about animal digestive tracts, nutrition and reproduction to help farmers in my community,” Harris said.

We’re proud to support these bright students as they channel their knowledge and passions to cultivate sustainable, thriving communities. With their aspirations, they’re shaping a brighter tomorrow for themselves and for agriculture.