For the second consecutive year, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit will provide $8,000 in scholarship money to selected high school students in the Association’s 21-county territory, according to a Farm Credit press release.

Four $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing a career path in the agriculture industry. This career path can range from business to accounting, agriculture sciences, animal biology, chemistry, communications, finance or others.

“Our goal is to help remove financial barriers so that students who have demonstrated academic achievement, and who are interested in a career in agriculture, will have an opportunity to go on to college,” said Richard Monson, chief executive officer at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit. “Keeping bright, talented, and leadership-oriented individuals in our rural communities is what we are striving to do.”

The scholarship program is part of a comprehensive approach to helping young adults learn about a financial institution and business environment. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit also recruits at area colleges and provides a summer internship program for college students interested in pursuing careers in finance, risk management, accounting, marketing, and more.

The four scholarships will be awarded to students who show a record of scholastic achievement and who, through their extracurricular activities, exemplify community spirit. High school seniors pursuing either a two- or four-year degree may apply.

Applicants must complete the scholarship application, provide a high school transcript showing grades, GPA and class rank, and complete an essay. In addition, applicants will be required to provide two letters of recommendation from someone other than an immediate member of their family. Scholarship winners will be chosen based on overall achievement and accomplishments.

More information is available at SWGAFarmCredit.com, and with area high school guidance counselors.