Dairy Farmers of Canada and Agriculture in the Classroom Canada announce 2022 scholarship recipients

August 4, 2022 (Headingly, MB) - Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC), the voice of Canadian dairy farmers, and Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C), a Canadian charitable organization with a vision to bring agriculture to every classroom, are proud to announce the winners of the inaugural DFC Here for Tomorrow Scholarship, powered by thinkAG.

The recipients of this year’s scholarship are:

Julie Sieg and Sophia Yang

“Winning this scholarship makes it easier for me to pursue post-secondary education in my chosen field of science, particularly biology. It has reaffirmed my passion for making the world more sustainable, particularly the agricultural sector, and inspired me to continue to work hard to achieve my goals in university. I am very grateful to AITC-C for granting me this opportunity.” Julie Sieg, who submitted an essay and attends Earl Haig Secondary School in North York, Ontario

"The DFC Here for Tomorrow Scholarship will provide me with the freedom and opportunity to explore my interests outside of post-secondary education. I hope to use the money on extracurricular learning experiences or materials that can help me develop my skillset and/or benefit the community.” Sophia Yang, who submitted a video and attends Prince of Wales Secondary in Vancouver, British Columbia

Open to students in grades 10-12 across Canada, this scholarship aims to invigorate and equip the next generation with the understanding and belief that they have the power to make informed, sustainable food choices and career decisions.  

"To support agri-food initiatives currently underway in Canada, it is important to consider how innovative plans, practices, and actions will be advanced in the future,” said Johanne Ross, Executive Director, Agriculture in the Classroom Canada. “The creativity and forward thinking displayed in the students’ submissions was exceptional – picking the winners was not an easy task! AITC-C is grateful to have been able to offer this scholarship opportunity to Canadian students, thanks to the generous support of DFC and their belief in the vision of thinkAG. We are looking forward to offering the program again in 2023!”

“In supporting the DFC Here for Tomorrow Scholarship (powered by thinkAG), our goal was to encourage young Canadians to explore careers in sustainable agriculture, by helping them recognize how they could apply their knowledge and skills in this burgeoning field,” said Pierre Lampron, President, Dairy Farmers of Canada. “We are extremely proud of all of this year’s entrants and congratulate the 2022 recipients.”

Fueled by AITC-C’s career exploration initiative, thinkAG - the scholarship directly connects students with the multitude of important roles and professions that exist within the agriculture and food sector, helping them recognize how their interests and skills can be utilized in this evolving industry. More scholarships will be awarded in future years.

This scholarship aims to inspire Canadian youth to reflect on the impact they can have on a sustainable future by informing, empowering, and arming them with the knowledge and skills to think critically about their food choices and career decisions.  

All scholarship applicants went through a competitive application process. They needed to submit one of the following: a written essay (1,500 words), a video (3 mins), or a visual arts piece (ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, design, craft, photography, architecture), answering three key questions pertaining to their interests, agriculture and food careers, and global sustainability.

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About Agriculture in the Classroom Canada  

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) is a Canadian charitable organization with a vision to bring agriculture to every classroom, inspiring every student. Alongside ten provincial member organizations, AITC-C provides accurate, balanced, and current, curriculum-linked resources for students at all grade levels.     

We are proud to work with our network of partners, stakeholders, and volunteers to provide educational experiences that will foster a passion for lifelong learning through collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication by sharing Canada’s remarkable agriculture and food story. To learn more, visit aitc-canada.ca