MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025. BY STEWARD AG FOUNDATION.
The mission of the grassroots Steward Ag Foundation is to honor the integrity of the California farm worker by providing scholarships for their children, allowing them to transform their lives by pursuing higher education – whether that means trade school, community college or a four-year university.
Founded by longtime ag leaders Kevin and Lori Steward, who write a personal letter of encouragement to each recipient, in just it’s second year the Foundation has awarded $51,000 in scholarships to the following 18 deserving students, all outstanding children of California farm workers:
High School Graduates Attending Four-Year University – $2,000
Marta Lopez Barrera, Lodi, Linden HS, CSU Northridge, Radiologic Science
Yuritzi Jimenez Esparza, Stockton, Linden HS, UC Davis, Neurobiology
Kiara Ramos, Stockton, Linden HS, UC Santa Cruz, Computer Science
Current Community College Students – $2,000
Jocelyn Aparacio, Fillmore, Ventura College, Natural Science/Earth Science
Anisa Gonzalez, Lodi, Consumnes River College, Kinesiology
Brianna Gonzalez, Isleton, Modesto Jr. College, Animal Biology
Sarai Moreno, Stockton, San Joaquin Delta College, Biology
Rafael Trigueros, Stockton, San Joaquin Delta College, Business
Current Four-Year University Students – $3,500
Fatima Alfaro, Thornton, UC Irvine, Criminology, Law & Society
Pedro Medina Alvarez, Walnut Grove, Sacramento State University, Kinesiology
Cindy Arreola, Walnut Grove, San Jose State University, Public Health
Elizabeth Becerra, Courtland, CSU Monterey Bay, Marine Biology
Francisco Herrera Cruz, Stockton, Fresno State University, Civil Engineering
Fernanda Carillo, Isleton, UC Davis, Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior
Dayanara Flores, Stockton, UC Berkeley, Public Health
Johanna Menchaca, Lodi, University of the Pacific, Biological Science
Elvira Salvador, Oxnard, UC Santa Barbara, History of Public Policy & Law (pictured above with her family)
Angela Vargas, Courtland, Fresno State University, Architecture
Please join us in congratulating these amazing students along with our generous sponsors and donors!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every little bit helps. To donate directly to the scholarship fund, click HERE. You can also mail in a check made out to The Steward Ag Foundation, PO Box 1046, Walnut Grove, CA 95690.
The next annual fundraiser event is coming up on August 8, 2025 at Klinker Brick Winery in Lodi. Tickets are on sale now for $65.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP IN 2026
Scholarships are available on an annual basis, with the deadline to apply typically occurring at the beginning of May. Applicants must be farm workers or children of farm workers who have been employed for a minimum of 180 days within the past twelve months; must be a high school graduate or current college student; must demonstrate acceptance/commitment and/or enrollment in an accredited college, university or trade school; and must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and above at their current institution. Learn more HERE.
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