Other Ag News: Release: Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship Now Accepting Applications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Zaks, Associate Director of Communications and Development
press@sustainableagriculture.net

The Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship honors the co-founder of the first network for African American organic farmers in the United States.

Washington, DC, March 28, 2025 —Last week, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) and the Southeastern African American Farmers’ Organic Network (SAAFON) opened applications for their annual scholarship in honor and memory of the late Cynthia Hayes, co-founder and former director of SAAFON. 

The scholarship welcomes applications from Black and Indigenous undergraduate and Masters students from all Tribal Nations, US states, and territories. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their interest in food justice, sustainable agriculture, and how these issues impact Black and Indigenous farmer communities in the United States.

“SAAFON is proud to announce the 2025 Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship, in honor of our visionary founder and her immeasurable impact on the sustainable agriculture and Black food justice movements. We look forward to continuing our investment in the next generation of leaders in partnership with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, for this year and well into the future,” said Whitney Jaye, Co-Executive Director at SAAFON. 

The Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship will offer one graduate and two undergraduate students a $5,000 award. Scholarship recipients will also have the opportunity to connect with sustainable food and farm advocates and become more involved with the partnering organizations and their networks.

“The Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship is a powerful way for NSAC and SAAFON to honor Cynthia’s legacy, especially when programs that uplift Black and Indigenous students are under threat,” says Tyler Edwards, Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator at NSAC. “With this scholarship, we are investing in the education of Black and Indigenous advocates who will go on to support diverse and resilient food systems around the country.” 

To be considered, undergraduate students must have completed half of their respective programs by the end of December 2024, and graduate students must have completed at least 4 courses by December 2024. Applicants will be evaluated on their interest in sustainable agriculture, policy, and grassroots organizing, and must have demonstrated knowledge or experience in racial equity and an interest in pursuing leadership or a career in the sustainable food and farm movement.

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2025. To apply, visit our job website. 

Questions related to the Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship should be directed to scholarship@sustainableagriculture.net.

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About the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is a grassroots alliance that advocates for federal policy reform supporting the long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. Learn more: https://sustainableagriculture.net/

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