Pine Bluff, AR — Tavarus Young, an agricultural business major at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, is the recipient of a scholarship from the National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) 1890 Scholarship Program. The program aims to help deserving students at 1890 land-grant institutions further their education and increase the diversity of the crop insurance industry.
NCIS 1890 scholarships are for $3,000 spread over the four semesters of the recipients’ junior and senior years. Scholarship recipients are academically strong and well-rounded students who participate in extra-curricular activities that give back to their communities.
Young said he has learned a lot about agriculture through an internship as an extra-help Extension program aide with UAPB’s Small Farm Program. The program targets assistance to socially disadvantaged producers, limited-resource producers and small producers. Part of Young’s responsibilities has included assisting at UAPB’s Agricultural Demonstration Outreach Center in Marianna, Arkansas.
“The Small Farm Program staff have shown me how to grow, plant and pick different crops,” Young said. “They also have also helped me understand the business side of agriculture. I chose to major in agricultural business because I grew up around a lot of fields and farmlands – I just started wanting to learn more about this profession. The National Crop Insurance Services scholarship will help me continue my education without a balance.”
In the future, Young wants to own a farm and manage other businesses as well.
“This hard-working student is a single father and a dedicated and reliable employee,” Karen Lee, Extension program specialist for the UAPB Small Farm Program, said. “He arrives on time with a
positive attitude, and he demonstrates flexibility in his assigned tasks. Tavarus is a very good listener and adapts quickly. He is solution focused and not afraid of challenges.”
Lee credits Young with having great communication and problem-solving skills.
“He’s not afraid to ask questions, works well with co-workers and the public, and exhibits a high level of professionalism,” she said. “Tavarus is the model employee and a great example for others to follow.”
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
