In its continuing efforts to encourage and increase participation in agriculture amongst the youth, the Agricultural Training Institute provides them with the opportunity to avail of college scholarship grants in State Universities and Colleges. 

Another 14 deserving youths availed of the program as the second batch of the Educational Assistance for the Youth in Agriculture (EAsY Agri) program was launched. The EAsY Agri is a college scholarship grant in support of the children of smallholder farmers and fishers to pursue a Degree Program in the field of agriculture and other related courses. It aims to produce agricultural professionals and/or new breeds of farmers who are equipped with the necessary knowledge and technical skills in putting up agribusiness enterprises.

The signing of the scholarship service contracts on September 19, 2022, sealed the granting of educational assistance.  The grantees will receive a monthly stipend including lodging allowance amounting to 6,000.00 per month, learning material allowance of 1,500.00 per semester, 500.00 per month internet connectivity allowance, 10,000.00 thesis/OJT allowance, including miscellaneous fees amounting to 1,000.00 for testing/assessment fee and 15,000.00 gadget assistance.

Prior to this, a program orientation was conducted last September 15, 2022, with the grantees together with their parents to discuss the contents of the contract. The Scholarship Point Person, Mary Grace B. Salve discussed explained the goals, objectives, program mechanics, support and privileges, and obligations of the grantees and their parents during the implementation of the grant. The conditions leading to the default and breach of contracts, special cases, and appeals were also discussed.

A total of 25 applications were received and reviewed by the regional Training and Scholarship Committee, chaired by OIC Center Director Fil Victor A. Babanto.  The evaluation was based on the completeness of the submitted documents and High School General Point/Weighted Average, until the final selection process through a written examination and interview.

Of the 14 grantees, 4 are from Butuan City, 2 from Agusan del Norte, and 8 from the province of Surigao del Norte. They are currently enrolled at the Caraga State University in Ampayon, Butuan City, and Surigao del Norte State University, Magpayang, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, taking up Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (4), Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (3), Bachelor of Science in Forestry (1), Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry (2), Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (1), Bachelor of Technology in Livelihood Education (2), and Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (1).

The second batch of the EAsY Agri scholarship program covers the whole duration of the academic program, from first to fourth year of Academic Year 2022 – 2026.  It can be recalled that first batch of the program commenced last August 2020, also with 14 grantees who are currently in their third year.