Letters of Recommendation

Reference letters shall be written based upon the following criteria: You are asked to write a letter of reference that gives our judges a better understanding of who the applicant is and what they are passionate about. Explain why the applicant deserves a Harvest of Merit Award. Essential financial needs will be considered. Be specific about what the financial needs are as well as other necessities and requirements for the applicant to have a successful experience. Provide us with any other information you believe will help in our decision.

 

Foundation Mission Statement

Positively impacting the future of California agriculture through competitive learning, scholarships, education, agricultural events, and public outreach.

 

Award Purpose

An educational and experience-based “Merit” program for youth in California.

The Harvest of Merit Award Program provides funding and other in-kind support to assist Award recipients for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to essential and unavoidable expenses as well as personal growth and life skill maturity.

Assistance may include but is not limited to resources for the purchase, care, and feeding of animals; construction and related costs and development of agricultural mechanic and/or ag technology projects: input costs related to plant and crop science programs and costs related to the successful pursuit of experiences in Culinary/Food sciences such as training, supply provisions, tuition, group learning, and other endeavors.

Letters of Recommendation

The applicant must provide Two (2) Merit Award Reference letters. These must be completed by two (2) separate people and may not be an immediate family member. One must be provided by the mentor and one by another adult (over 21 years of age). Each letter must be signed and submitted electronically to the GSAF website by the official deadline to www.goldenstateag.com.

Submission: 

All completed letters must be submitted electronically (no exceptions) no later than 11:45 PM October 15, of the application year to The Golden State Agricultural Foundation at goldenstateag.com.

We suggest submitting letters no later than 24 hours prior to the October 15 deadline to avoid a last-minute rush and to ensure your letter is submitted in time.

Questions:

Questions or technical issues must be submitted via email to contact@goldenstateag.com well before the deadline.

 

Letter of Recommendation

 

One must be provided by the mentor and one by another adult (over 21 years of age). Letters cannot be from an immediate family member.

Reference letters shall be written based upon the following criteria: You are asked to write a letter of reference that gives our judges a better understanding of who the applicant is and what they are passionate about.  Explain why the applicant deserves a Harvest of Merit Award. Essential financial needs will be considered. Be specific about what the financial needs are as well as other necessities and requirements for the applicant to have a successful experience. Provide us with any other information you believe will help in our decision. Finally, if you are the mentor, explain why you want to act as a mentor to the applicant.

By signing below, I agree that I believe all information in the letter is correct. Additionally, if I am the mentor, I agree to advise the applicant in the spirit of the program and offer reasonable help and encouragement to see this project through to a successful conclusion.