Scholarships to aid farmers seeking new careers

Alternative Careers for Idaho Farmers will provide scholarships to farmers, ranchers, and possibly their spouses to help them gain knowledge and skills that lead to new careers and broaden their economic opportunities.

The two-year, $1.25 million program, which is expected to begin before the first of the year, will help economically stressed agricultural producers, or those who have recently left farming and ranching, to pursue post-high school training. They may study at any of IdahoÕs state-funded educational institutions as well as at several private institutions.

"We hope the program will enable farmers and their spouses to develop new career skills and allow them to stay in their communities. Additional education should help them improve their economic status and adapt to a changing rural economy," said Paul McCawley, associate dean of the college.

U.S. Senator Larry Craig and IdahoÕs congressional delegation secured the U.S. Department of Labor funding with help from College of Agriculture department heads Lou Riesenberg and Michael Weiss.

The scholarship application deadline is expected to be September 15, and recipients will likely begin classes in spring 2001. Those seeking more information may contact McCawley at (208) 885-5883 or write to him at University of Idaho, P.O. Box 442338, Moscow, ID 83844-2338. Information is also available on the Internet at www.ag.uidaho.edu/acif

-Bill Loftus

Illustration by Melissa Rockwood