IMMOKALEE, Fla. – Lipman, North America’s largest field tomato grower, recently awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships to current and former high school students in Collier and Lee counties. This year, 11 seniors received first-time scholarships totaling $13,000. The company also provided more than $50,000 in scholarship renewals to college students previously receiving education funding through Lipman.
“We know that without outside sources like Lipman, higher education for many students in our area would not be possible,” said Jaime Weisinger, Lipman’s Director of Community Relations. “That’s why, back in 2003, we started this program to help deserving youth achieve their aspirations.”
Scholarship recipients are chosen based on a number of factors, including demonstrated financial need, class standing and educational goals.
Since 2003, Lipman has provided more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students.
Recent Lehigh Senior High School graduate Fatima Medina is one of 11 seniors to receive the first-time scholarship. Medina is attending the Honors College at University of South Florida in the fall with plans to major in pre-medicine.
“The Lipman scholarship has helped to ease the financial burden of my college tuition,” said Medina. “My family and I are grateful for this opportunity, and I plan to continue to work hard to reapply for renewal throughout college.”
In addition to scholarships, Lipman also offers a textbook reimbursement program to Collier and Lee county students who continue their education past high school. The fund reimburses textbook costs up to $150 per semester.
"At Lipman, we’re invested in our local community and we want to ensure that the next generation has the tools they need to succeed,” added Weisinger, a member of the Lipman family. “Growing up, college was a priority for my family. Our goal is that every student seeking higher education can make it a reality through this opportunity.”
About Lipman
Based in Immokalee, Fla., Lipman is the largest field tomato grower in North America, providing dependable year-round fresh produce through an integrated network of research and development, farming, processing, repacking and procurement solutions. Farms in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, California and Mexico – totaling tens of thousands of acres – allow for Lipman’s geographic diversity and ability to grow and ship fresh produce 365 days a year. For more information, visit www.lipmanproduce.com.
Source: Lipman
