Program Provides Both Academic & Vocational Scholarship Support to Farmworkers & Their Families
Napa, CA, March 5, 2024— Ag Health Benefits Alliance (AHBA) is now accepting scholarship applications to the AHBA Educational Foundation, LLC. The program offers awards in amounts of up to $5,000 per awardee for its members and their families who participate in the Ag Health Benefits group health plan.
“We offer two types of scholarship opportunities,” says AHBA Educational Foundation President Rebecca Barlow. “Academic scholarships are available for students beginning or continuing education at a community college, four-year college, or university. Vocational scholarships are intended for those selecting trade school, job training, or certificate programs.”
Academic applications will be accepted from March 1 to 31 and Vocational applications are accepted from March 1 through April 15th. Awards for both scholarships will be awarded in May. Applications and more information are available on the website, aghealthbenefits.org/scholarships/.
The AHBA scholarship program is made possible through donations from Mike Wolf, the Michael L. Wolf Trust and other sources. “We are pleased to see a growing interest from employees who wish to continue their education and advance their careers,” says Wolf. “Our aim is that these scholarships will be of great benefit to both the employee and their employer.”
The program has garnered appreciation from 2023 scholarship recipients:
“The Ag Health Benefits Scholarship award has allowed me to pursue my WSET 3 certification in wine. This furthers my education and the potential of my career in the wine industry. Having this certification on my resume opens so many new doors and gives me the knowledge and leverage I needed to reach new heights in the industry.” A.M., Calistoga
“This scholarship award has kept me out of debt and allowed me to study worry free and with much less stress.” D.G., Santa Rosa
“I am excited to be a recipient of this scholarship. Being selected is a blessing and I appreciate this opportunity so much. I will work hard to take what I learn and give it back to the community.” M.E., Napa
About Ag Health Benefits Alliance
Ag Health Benefits Alliance (AHBA) has been providing affordable health insurance and other benefits to agricultural employees in Northern California since its founding as the California Winegrower Foundation in 1972. Started by a group of forward-thinking winegrape growers who shared a common goal of improving working conditions, AHBA is a non-profit member organization that supports both employers and employees. AHBA’s members were dedicated to providing health benefits for employees, including seasonal workers, long before it was required by law. Today, AHBA provides those benefits to more than 1,500 agricultural employees.