The Vorhees Vision Scholarship was created to reward the achievements of young individuals who demonstrate a true entrepreneurial spirit in their lives as they pursue their educational goals. This scholarship is named in honor of the late Terry L. Vorhees, Founder and first Executive Director of the Southeast Produce Council. Because of his vision and efforts, the Southeast Produce Council BB #:191194 became and continues to remain one of the best resources in the produce industry today.
One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will receive a one-time scholarship of $7,500 to their enrolling college/university. The 2nd place recipient will receive $1,500, and the 3rd place recipient will receive $1,000.
Each applicant must be/have a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing as of January 15th of the current year [Member has been on the SEPC membership roster for at least 12 months and has personally attended at least one event (Southern Exposure and/or Southern Innovations) within the last 12 months]. Immediate family members may apply if the active member is part of a corporate membership. Members who have individual memberships are not eligible.
Each applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 semester hours).
Selection factors include:
- GPA (minimum of 3.0)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from high school and/or college staff, clergy, community leaders, etc.
- SAT or ACT scores
- Leadership and Community Service involvement (10 hours completed within the last 12 months)
- Quality of essay (minimum of 1000 words)
Essay Topic: The numerous grocery shortages we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic gave us just a small taste of the problems that can arise in our society as a result of food insecurity. If we intend to feed the world in the generations to come, now is the time to start thinking about how to build a more sustainable future. Where do you feel the produce industry should focus its efforts in pursuit of this goal? What specific actions, strategies, and/or innovations would you suggest putting in place to cultivate and distribute the world’s food supply more effectively in order to move toward a more sustainable tomorrow?
The application can only be submitted online. The application deadline is January 13, 2023 by 5:00 pm EST. Winners will be announced via email and on the SEPC website on February 13, 2023.
