WHEATLAND, CA (MPG) - During a special scholarship promotion event on campus on January 23, 2023, members of the Yuba River Endowment board surprised the Wheatland High School FFA advisors and superintendent with a $40,000 donation. Half the funds will be dedicated to cover out-of-pocket expenses for FFA students to attend Field Day and State competitions for the current school year, and the other half to help with program expenses.

The Yuba River Endowment is a non-profit organization created by Yuba County farmers to benefit Yuba County residents. The funds for Wheatland FFA will go towards farm supplies, jackets and travel costs for their 320 FFA students to participate in their upcoming field trips and State competition. Over the past two month the Endowment also presented Lindhurst High School FFA, Marysville High School FFA and Bear River Middle School FFA with donations.

“FFA at Wheatland High School is a vital part of our ag program, but we are not able to cover out-of-pocket expenses for students to attend competitions,” said Wheatland High School FFA Advisor, Melissa Taylor. “The Yuba River Endowment funding will allow all of our students who qualify for FFA events to attend those events, and also allow us to complete much needed infrastructure projects at our school farm.”

The Yuba River Endowment is comprised of farmers who have a right to water that flows on the Yuba River. In some years these farmers are able to both farm their own land and transfer a portion of their water to drought-stricken areas of the state. A portion of the proceeds from these water transfers goes to the Endowment. Since formation in late 2019, the Endowment has donated almost $500,000 to support Yuba County ag education, provide food resources, veteran’s support, and much more.

“Our motto for the Endowment is ‘Local Farmers Giving Back’,” said local farmer and Yuba River Endowment President, Al Lassaga. “Our board is made up of representatives from eight different Yuba County regions, from Browns Valley to Wheatland. Investing our money back into our community, and specifically into agricultural education and our future farmers, just makes sense. We want to make sure agriculture stays strong in Yuba County for generations to come.”

To learn more about the Yuba River Endowment, visit www.facebook.com/yubariverendowment. In addition, the Yuba River Endowment’s 2023 scholarship application is now live at www.farmersgivingback.com. Any graduating senior from a Yuba County high school, or any Yuba County resident who will be attending a college or trade school next year, is eligible to apply. The application deadline is January 31, 2023.