New scholarship fund empowers women seeking careers in Agriculture

Three business owners from Grifton give back to the community 

MOUNT OLIVE –The University of Mount Olive recently announced that starting in the spring of 2024, one UMO student will be awarded a Women in Agriculture scholarship sponsored by Gap Ready! Farm Services.  

According to UMO’s press release, business owners Paula Manning, Leigh Page, and Grayson Shreves established the fund to share their good fortune and passion for agriculture as they assist growers. 

“The premise of this scholarship is to help young women, like myself, who have a passion for agriculture and want to make an impact in the predominately male-dominated field,” said Page, who graduated from UMO in 2010.  

“We are humbled to be in the position to offer this scholarship opportunity to young women, who are seeking to make an impact on the future of agriculture,” said Page. “And I know from my own experience that there is no better place to start than at the University of Mount Olive. 

According to UMO officials, scholarship applications will be accepted through April 1.  

The scholarship can be awarded consecutively for up to four years. The recipient must demonstrate financial need and maintain a 3.0 GPA. 

“We want our success to translate to academic success for future UMO females in ag,” said Manning. 

For information, email nbalsamello@umo.edu.