SPC announces creation of scholarship by Levelland Chamber of Commerce 

 

LEVELLAND – The South Plains College Foundation recently announced the establishment of the Levelland Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee Scholarship Endowment to assist South Plains College agriculture students.

 

The Levelland Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee pledged $10,000 to create the scholarship.

 

According to Doug Hoelscher, chairman of the Levelland Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, “We wanted to do something that would have a big impact on our recruiting efforts to help students pursue careers in the ag industry.”

 

Hoelscher said the campaign to raise funds for an endowed scholarship began in 2018. The scholarship committee received seed money for the project by hosting a Producer Appreciation Luncheon with varying sponsorships levels.

 

SPC’s Department of Agriculture Sciences hosted Ag Career Symposiums in the fall 2018 and 2019, which brought more than 600 students from across the state to campus. The students visited with 30 agricultural professionals about the variety of employment opportunities in agriculture industry.

 

Levelland Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee raised additional funds through donations from participating businesses at the Ag Career Symposium. Local ag businesses provide sponsorship and give Levelland Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee the opportunity to host various other events to help encourage youth to pursue careers in agriculture as well as help support the scholarship endowment.

 

“We want good people in agriculture, and we want to provide opportunities for students to find careers in this industry,” he said.

 

First consideration for applicants to the Levelland Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee Scholarship will be given to students majoring in agriculture. The recipient must be a full-time student taking at least 12 credit hours. The recipient also must maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

 

For more information about ways to support scholarships and students at South Plains College, contact Julie Gerstenberger, director of development and alumni relations, at (806) 716-2020.

The Levelland Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee recently created the Levelland Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee Scholarship Endowment with the South Plains College Foundation. Shown are, from left, Prentice Fred, Doug Hoelscher, Chris Berry, Mark Foster, Julie Gerstenberger, director of development and alumni relations at South Plains College; Kerry Siders, Garth McDonald, Dave Cleavinger and Wes Utley. (SPC Photo)