The Horizon Scholarship provides scholars with a $10,000 bursary over two years, thanks to ongoing support from industry sponsors. As part of the program, students also attend an annual four-day professional development workshop and complete two weeks of industry placement, all of which is covered by the support of their sponsor. The Horizon Scholarship program provides the next generation of leaders with opportunities to kickstart their leadership skills and expand their networks.
John Harvey, AgriFutures Australia Managing Director congratulates the 20 students from across Australia on their success and welcomes the next generation of rural leaders to the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program.
“We are thrilled to welcome our 2021 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship winners, whose exceptional passion, drive and commitment to agriculture has distinguished them from a talented pool of over 90 applicants. Again, I thank all of the industry sponsors who recognise the value and importance of the investment into future leaders,” said Mr Harvey.
Students are carefully paired with industry sponsors that align with their career aspirations and industry experience. Support from sponsors is key to the program’s success and assists students to expand their networks and learn new skills relevant to a career in their chosen field.
2021 sponsors include Grains Research & Development Corporation, Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia, Australian Eggs, Australian Wool Innovation, Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Hort Innovation, FMC Australasia and the AgriFutures Emerging Industries, Rice and Thoroughbred Horses programs.
Sam Mac Smith who is studying a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture) was thrilled to receive the scholarship and thanked Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) who will support his Horizon journey.
“I am extremely grateful to be awarded a Horizon Scholarship and to be sponsored by GRDC as this will provide me the opportunity to learn from those who are at the forefront of ground-breaking research and innovation to improve farming practices and technologies, which will play a significant role in helping to feed the booming global population in the future,” said Mr Mac Smith.
Mr Harvey thanks new and returning Horizon sponsors and acknowledges their significant contribution to the program, particularly in offering student’s valuable exposure to the agricultural sector.
“The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship would not be possible without our sponsors. The diversity of industry sponsors reflects the desire across the board to focus on the next generation of leaders who will build prosperous and sustainable rural industries of the future.
“I encourage scholars to make the most of the fantastic opportunities their industry sponsors provide. They will be able to collaborate across rural industries and participate in valuable work placements and attend workshops that will open doors to a successful career in their chosen field,” said Mr Harvey.
